Chapter 4

Grand Duchess Ellaris of Ervinzel was the highest-ranking noblewoman in the Catalos Empire. As the full-blooded younger sister of the late emperor, she was one of the last remaining direct relatives of the current Emperor Rezion and Princess Elphenlira.

As a member of the imperial family—and as the great landowner of the eastern territories—Grand Duchess Ellaris wielded immense political and financial power. And she staked all of it on her loyalty to her nephew, the emperor.

The vassals and servants of House Ervinzel treated Dianne with the utmost respect. To them, she wasn’t merely a governess. She was the woman who had healed young master Erin, the grand duchy’s sole heir, of his affliction.

Dianne dined with the household and stayed in one of the estate’s finest guest rooms. She knew full well how rare and privileged such treatment was.

And yet, even she couldn’t keep her frustration down this time.

“To make me the princess’s governess… Someone as insignificant as me can’t possibly take on such a weighty task—”

Grand Duchess Ellaris didn’t even let her finish.

“It’s because it’s you that it’s possible, Miss Dianne.”

“But, Your Imperial Highness—”

“I trust you. And from His Majesty’s perspective, that is the highest qualification there is.”

The grand duchess sealed the letter she’d just finished writing with meticulous care, then handed it to Dianne. Reluctantly, Dianne accepted it.

“Give this to Countess Evelina of Ornin. She’ll see that you’re taken care of.”

“Your Imperial Highness, I have no title. I’m not part of the capital’s social circles. I’ll only bring disgrace to the imperial family.”

“It is because you have no title, and no ties to those circles, that you’re able to do this.”

“…”

“We cannot entrust something this sensitive to someone bound by the chains of power.”

Dianne squeezed her eyes shut.

“So what you’re saying is I was chosen because I’m so insignificant and unimportant, I couldn’t possibly exploit the fact that the princess is secretly engaged in marriage negotiations with the Arathos Empire.”

“I’ve always liked how quick you are to catch on,” the grand duchess replied with a cheerful smile.

“I won’t pretend it will be easy, but His Majesty is a rational man. He won’t ask anything beyond your abilities, nor place undue blame on you.”

“I honestly don’t even know what I’m supposed to teach the princess.”

“You didn’t stay here because of all you taught Erin, did you?”

There was nothing she could say. When Dianne was first hired, all she’d done for six months was doggedly trail after a child who wouldn’t speak a single word.

But she still couldn’t understand how that connected to preparing a princess for marriage. Unlocking a wounded child’s heart and overseeing the bridal education of a royal heir were leagues apart.

Since returning from her eastern territory, Grand Duchess Ellaris had spoken little about the princess. Dianne could only assume that the girl harbored some private, unspoken trouble that was something unfit for public ears.

With a gentle smile, the grand duchess extended her hand. Dianne sighed and took it.

“You’re not being asked to stay at the palace forever. It’ll be a valuable experience.”

“…And while I’m gone, what about the young master?”

“The imperial household has promised to send a tutor. I’m told he once taught His Majesty in his youth.”

Whether Dianne would ever be able to reclaim her place after someone of that caliber stepped in was doubtful. Her face clouded, but Grand Duchess Ellaris gently patted her hand, as if to ease her worries.

“No matter when you return, your place will always be here, waiting for you.”

“…Thank you, Your Imperial Highness.”

“So focus only on meeting His Majesty’s expectations.”

That, in truth, was the part Dianne felt least confident about. With a heavy heart, she bowed deeply to the grand duchess. Unless they crossed paths at the palace, this would likely be their last meeting for some time.

Before she left, the grand duchess pressed a pouch of gold coins into her hands for travel expenses. Dianne knew full well that no such expenses were needed to get from the grand ducal estate to the palace, but she accepted it without protest. She understood that this was the grand duchess’s way of giving her something.

When she stepped out of the study, a small boy stood just outside the door, his expression stricken. He clutched tightly the puppy he’d refused to part with lately. Erin of Ervinzel. Heir to the grand duchy. The student she’d taught for the past year.

Dianne feigned a stern tone as she addressed him.

“Young Master. How many times have I told you not to eavesdrop outside doors?”

“Miss Dianne… Are you really leaving…?”

It had only been six months since Erin had begun to speak. His words were slow, and his voice was so soft it was almost heartbreaking. Dianne couldn’t bring herself to keep up the strict mask of a governess and knelt in front of him.

The moment she held out her arms, Erin dove into them like he’d been waiting for it all along. The puppy between them let out a soft whimper, squished between their bodies.

As Dianne gently stroked the soft back of his head, she said,

“I’m not leaving forever. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Why are you going…? Is it because I misbehaved…?”

His voice trembled so badly, it nearly brought tears to Dianne’s eyes. She held him—and the little dog—so tightly that they both let out a whoosh of air.

“You’re brave now. And you speak so well. I know you can wait for me until I come back, can’t you?”

“…”

“You’ll have to take care of the puppy while I’m gone too, all right?”

Even with tears brimming in his eyes, Erin forced himself to nod.

Dianne reached into the pouch Grand Duchess Ervinzel had given her and took out a single gold coin, pressing it gently into his palm.

“Keep this safe for me. It’s very special. I’ll come back for it, I promise.”

Even as he nodded, Erin wouldn’t let go of the hem of her skirt. In the end, a servant had to gently coax him away.

Wiping her damp eyes with her sleeve, Dianne turned and headed for her bedroom, which would soon be empty. She had to finish packing. She was leaving tomorrow.