Chapter 419 I Won't Deny It, But I Won't Affirm It Either
Back at the Grandchester residence in the Royal Capital, Sara and Edward decided to have dinner with Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Chloe, who were waiting for their return.
Actually, Robert is also in the Royal Capital, but it seems he will be late coming back tonight because he is having dinner with classmates from the Academy.
When Robert was looking to hire a bureaucrat for the Grandchester territory, he wrote a letter to a former classmate who works as a palace bureaucrat.
He asked if they knew any capable individuals who could work in the Grandchester territory, and he received a reply saying they had a few candidates in mind.
"I see. Your father is looking for capable bureaucrats and is having dinner to find them. I hope some excellent people come to the Grandchester territory."
Elizabeth nodded at Sara's comment.
"Palace bureaucrats are all selected through very difficult exams, so they are highly skilled individuals. As long as you have the Academy graduation qualifications, even commoners can take the exam, so talented people gather regardless of their background."
However, Rebecca had a slightly different opinion.
"I don't deny that palace bureaucrats are skilled, but saying it's regardless of background might be an exaggeration. It clearly seems like there are slots for nobles and commoners. Only nobles or those from noble families seem to get promoted to senior bureaucrat positions."
"That's just how it is. It's a fact that there is a difference in ability between nobles and commoners, right? There are excellent individuals among commoners, but considering the inherent ability, nobles tend to be more capable."
'Ah, I see. This is where Aunt's aristocratic superiority complex shows through.'
"Aunt, I also think it's true that there are more capable individuals among the nobles."
"Sara thinks so too, huh?"
Elizabeth looked pleased, as if she had found an ally, and Sara nodded in agreement.
"The wealthy nobles should have more opportunities for a good education than commoners. They are different from commoners who have to help around the house or work."
"Of course, I think there's some truth to what Sara is saying, but noble children are inherently better than commoner children."
"Are you talking about the 'innate ability' you mentioned earlier?"
"That's right. For example, most magicians come from noble families, and it's also nobles who produce excellent knights. The professors who achieve outstanding results at the academy are also mostly nobles. Sara might want to say it's a gift of education, but to receive that education, you also need to have excellent qualities."
Sara tilted her head slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Elizabeth's passionate argument.
"To be honest, I don't have any material to refute Aunt's opinion. We use high-ability horses for breeding, after all."
"Sara! Are you really comparing people to horses!?"
"What Aunt is saying is just that. By combining excellent individuals, they are creating a superior next generation, so I think it's claimed that nobles are excellent."
"Even so, to equate people with horses!"
"But isn't the content of a noble family tree almost the same as a horse pedigree?"
"Sara!!"
"Calm down, Liz."
Edward lightly patted his wife's back.
"Indeed, we nobles are pressured to marry when we come of age. It might not be much different from being bred."
"Even you, Ed, are saying such things!?"
"But Liz, you must have thought the same, which is why you felt uncomfortable, right?"
"Well..."
It seems Edward knows how to soothe Elizabeth.
Watching this, Rebecca had a slightly mischievous expression and spoke to Edward.
"Hehe. I want to believe that Liz didn't marry because she was suitable for Ed, but because she was loved by him."
"Of course, I married her because I loved Liz."
"But as a noble, I also want to believe Liz were chosen because she were worthy of you, Ed."
"Mother also liked Liz. There's no way that's inappropriate."
"──Hey, could you not speak for my feelings without my permission?"
"Oh, was I wrong, Liz?"
"That's such a childish thing to say, Revi."
"You thought about it, right?"
When Rebecca pointed out the truth, Elizabeth blushed and turned her gaze away from Edward.
"Recently, Aunt has started to look cute to me. Chloe's girlish thinking must be like Aunt's."
"Hey Sara, stop glancing back and forth between me and Mother. You think I look like Mother anyway, right?"
"Wow, Chloe, you're sharp!"
"I don't feel like I'm being complimented at all."
"That's rude to Aunt. I just thought you both have cute traits."
""Eh, is that so?""
The way the mother and daughter were both shy was indeed very similar and really cute.
"Back to the topic, I think it's very natural to seek an excellent partner for marriage. In fact, many women put in a lot of effort to marry someone outstanding."
"Sara, that's inappropriate."
Rebecca gently scolded her.
"Yes, Mother. No, since it's lady-like education, should I call you Miss Rebecca instead?"
"Either is fine, but revealing ladies' secrets to gentlemen is against the rules."
"That's right. It goes against the ladies' agreement!"
"Okay, Miss Chloe."
Sara and Chloe exchanged glances and started giggling.
"Hey Sara, do you think nobles are naturally excellent?"
"I think there's a tendency for that, Chloe. You can't deny genetic factors."
"What's genetics?"
"It's when traits or characteristics are passed from parents to children. For example, I look just like my real mother, but my eye color comes from my dad. He inherited these eyes from my grandmother."
"Oh, I see."
"I think the word 'excellent' is vague. I mean, is it someone who has a lot of magic power and can use magic, someone who excels in physical abilities and is strong in swordsmanship, someone who is skilled as a bureaucrat, someone overflowing with artistic talent, someone who is good with their hands, or someone who is good-looking... which one is the most excellent person?"
"That's definitely difficult. The standards might differ depending on the noble family."
"The abilities required change with the times too. Our ancestors must have had many different qualities."
"That's true."
"From so many ancestors, we inherit various traits and characteristics. Even if we are born from the same parents, it's one reason why our appearances and abilities aren't the same."
"If that's one reason, does that mean there are other reasons?"
"Of course. The various experiences we go through after being born shape who we are. Parental love and food might be the first experiences. But even from the moment we are born, everyone has different experiences, so it's natural for people to be different."
"Hmm. Maybe what Sara is trying to say is that just because someone is a noble doesn't mean they are excellent?"
"That's right."
"On the flip side, it also means that just because someone is a commoner doesn't mean they aren't excellent, right?"
It seems Chloe correctly understood Sara's intention.
"I think people have various aptitudes. Right now, the dress Chloe is wearing was designed by Lucas, but that's because Lucas has the ability to design beautiful dresses. However, if Chloe hadn't introduced him to the costume designer at Grandchester Castle to help develop Lucas's abilities, I don't think he would have been able to create dresses for nobles."
"So that became Lucas's experience and helped him grow his abilities?"
"He was lucky to meet you, Chloe. The world is vast, and there are many people with different talents. There must be many talents that go unnoticed because they don't get the opportunity to shine."
"That's really such a waste!"
"──It seems you both got so caught up in the conversation that your meal isn't progressing."
Rebecca, with a troubled expression, spoke up.
"I'm sorry, Mother."
"I deeply apologize, Miss Rebecca."
"I didn't mean to interrupt since it was an interesting discussion, but we must adhere to dining etiquette. Especially since Ms. Chloe aims to be the future queen, right?"
"Yes, Miss Rebecca."
"But Ms. Chloe's use of cutlery is quite wonderful. Sara still has small hands, so it seems difficult for her to use adult cutlery."
"It's a bit big and heavy."
"──I instructed to prepare adult cutlery on purpose today. It does seem challenging."
"Is there a reason for that, Aunt?"
Elizabeth answered.
"I'm considering whether to have Sara attend Rob and Revi's wedding banquet. Sara would be seated at the family table, but the family dishes used for celebrations have to match, and all the cutlery is adult-sized."
"There are no children's utensils?"
"Unlike a tea party like your birthday, children do not participate in official events hosted by noble families. It's not that children are banned from attending, but they can't participate unless they have completed at least basic etiquette training."
It's quite natural, but the premise is that participants in official events must have no issues with etiquette.
It's not allowed for children to cry or run around during the event.
If such a situation were to occur, not only would they be mocked by others for not being able to discipline the child, but it would also cast a long shadow over that child's future.
Therefore, the age at which noble children first participate in official events is generally around 12 or 13, with some individual variation.
"I think it might be better to consider having you participate as Sophia instead of Sara."
"Rob will definitely make a fuss."
"I see. Then I'll prepare children's cutlery that resembles adult cutlery."
"That sounds good."
After the meal, everyone moved to the family living room.
Usually, they would each retreat to their rooms, but for some reason, it seemed they felt the need to converse today.
"Ms. Chloe, may I have a moment? Liz, please listen in too."
"Revi?"
Elizabeth looked puzzled.
"I think you know, but I'm receiving lady training... no, to be precise, training to be a queen from Her Majesty the Queen."
"Of course I know."
"If Ms. Chloe is serious about aiming to be the future queen, would you like to receive my training?"
"Revi, I would love that for my daughter, but won't you be busy after getting married?"
"Yes, I'm planning to start an educational institution, so I think I'll be very busy. That's why I wanted Chloe to help me."
Chloe also asked Rebecca.
"I thought Sara would be the one helping."
"Of course, I want to ask Sara too, but she has her own work. It's very important to divide roles."
"So, does that mean you're looking for someone to take Sara's place?"
"That's a bit different. I want to hear Chloe's opinion. I thought about what you said earlier. You said, 'Just because someone is a commoner doesn't mean they aren't excellent,' right?"
"I did say that."
"I think there are very few nobles who can say that. I found your flexible thinking very admirable. So, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Do you think women need education?"
"I believe you are asking that in a sense separate from lady training..."
At that point, Chloe glanced at her parents.
"Hehe. Just from that glance, I feel like I understand Ms. Chloe's feelings."
"Hey, Revi, why do you look like you understand better than me, her mother!"
"Liz, Ms. Chloe loves you both very much and doesn't want to betray your feelings. But Ms. Chloe is growing up and starting to have her own opinions."
Elizabeth gently placed her hand on Chloe's shoulder, who had looked down, and spoke softly.
"You don't have to worry, Chloe. No matter what you say, we, your parent, won't stop loving you."
"But..."
"Now, properly tell Revi your opinion."
"Yes, Mother."
Encouraged by Elizabeth, Chloe lifted her face and began to speak while looking into Rebecca's eyes.
"I believe that girls also need education. Even noblewomen should understand household finances. It might be considered inappropriate to talk about money, but I think it's very important. Since I started attending Maiden's Tower, I've learned many things. Women can become merchants like Sara. Of course, I don't think women can't be alchemists, pharmacists, or even bureaucrats."
"I see. Ms. Chloe has some wonderful ideas."
Rebecca is smiling contentedly, but Chloe's parents, Edward and Elizabeth, are clearly surprised.
"Mother, Uncle and Aunt are stunned by Chloe's statement. Was it too much of a shock all of a sudden?"
"What should I do, Sara? Did I make a mistake?"
"That's your opinion, so it's not about being right or wrong. Uncle and Aunt, please pull yourselves together. At this rate, Chloe will get discouraged."
"But Sara, my Chloe is talking about money!"
"It's only natural to realize things when she sees her father in debt and getting hit with gold coins by his niece."
"W-was it my fault? Because of my shortcomings..."
"It's definitely Uncle's fault, but Aunt is the one who caused it. Aunt is also largely responsible for Adam and Chloe's spending."
"I see..."
Seeing Edward and Elizabeth looking downcast, Sara let out a big sigh.
"Just because Chloe learns about money doesn't mean she'll start talking about it in public. She's receiving proper lady education. Knowing is more helpful for living than not knowing."
"Ah, maybe she might secretly whisper to other young ladies."
"If Chloe thinks that's a good idea, then that's fine."
"──Father, Mother, is it okay if I talk a little more?"
"Y-yeah, it's fine. Do as you like."
Edward gave a small nod to Chloe, who smiled awkwardly.
"Miss Rebecca. I realized during my earlier discussion with Sara that it's important for people, whether they are nobles or commoners, to learn various things or train to be of help to others. Of course, this applies to both men and women."
Sara was surprised by Chloe's statement.
The girl who used to look down on and bully Sara, just like her aristocratic parents, was no longer there.
However, it seemed that Rebecca had noticed Chloe's change.
"Yes, I think so too. That's why I want to create a school. It's something that would be difficult to achieve with just my own power, but I believe Sara and the other teachers will help. But more than anything, I want the next generation, like Ms. Chloe, to cooperate. I will teach Ms. Chloe everything I have, and at the same time, I plan to learn together. And behind Ms. Chloe, there will surely be many more ladies following."
"Hey, hey, Revi, are the gentlemen being left behind?"
Finally regaining his usual tone, Edward casually called out to Rebecca.
"I think Mister Thomas and the others will manage somehow."
"Really? I'm not so sure if Thomas Tyler can become a school teacher."
"Why not?"
"Regardless of the future, for now, the focus is on girls' education, right? If Thomas Tyler becomes a teacher, the students will only see the teacher's face."
"Ah, I forgot about that."
Though not much fuss is made about him at Grandchester Castle due to his good looks, Thomas is an overly attractive former bureaucrat teacher.
Considering that he left the palace bureaucracy because of a woman, young female students would be quite taken by him.
"Sara, what should we do?"
"Well, Mister Thomas is apparently planning to quit teaching once Scott and Blaze enroll in the academy, Mother."
"What! That's such a waste."
"He wanted to become the librarian at Maiden's Tower, but honestly, a golem would be enough."
It's a statement that would make Thomas want to cry.
However, Scott and Blaze are performing excellently, and it seems they will be ready for next year's academy entrance exams.
Thinking about that, Thomas will have to clarify his own future.
"What did you want Mister Thomas to handle in the first place?"
"Math and history."
"That could be handled by someone other than Mister Thomas. His specialty is economics. Considering his previous job, you could say accounting is also his specialty, but is that level of higher education really necessary?"
"At first, we don't need it."
"That's true. We're not going to have a large number of students all at once. Wouldn't it be better to start with classes centered around Miss Cordelia, the female educator? Besides, Alicia and Amelia said they would help out at the new school."
"Well, that's nice to hear!"
"Whether he becomes a teacher or not, Mister Thomas should be willing to lend a hand in establishing the school. We don't have all the textbooks yet, after all."
"That's certainly true."
In the midst of their friendly conversation, Sara noticed Edward's gaze directed at her.
"Uncle, you seem like you want to say something."
"No, I was just remembering that we were in the middle of a conversation in the carriage."
"Wasn't that supposed to be after Grandfather returned?"
"That's true, but I can't help but be curious."
"Which part are you particularly interested in?"
"Mr. Paracelsus and Amelia's means of transportation."
"I don't mind you telling me, but can you promise not to rely on me at all?"
"So, in other words, it's something you can only use?"
"For now, I think it's just me."
"Is there a possibility that others could use it in the future?"
"Rihito might be able to use it."
"Is it magic that can only be used by reincarnators?"
"No, it's a matter of magical power and imagination. Thinking about it, Blaze might be able to do it too."
"Is it really that simple?"
"It depends on the person, but you might understand if you see it in action."
Sara silently raised her hand and connected a space in front of Edward's private room door.
"Uncle, please try opening that door."
"What's this?"
"Isn't it your room, uncle? I don't think I'm mistaken."
"Could this be the same magic that helped Adam?"
"Yes, that's right, uncle."
"Weren't you the one who said 'it's not magic that can be abused'?"
"Well, yes."
"Isn't this abuse?"
"It's an experiment."
Sara briefly looked away from Edward, and Rebecca and Elizabeth, who were next to her, were also peering curiously into Edward's private room.
"Sara, can it connect anywhere?"
"I need to know the location."
"Even in my room at Grandchester Castle?"
"Yes, I can do that."
However, Edward sighed deeply and turned to Chloe instead of Sara.
"Chloe, you're not surprised."
"Uh, w-well, I am surprised!"
"Getting flustered makes you bad at lying, which is fatal for a noble. It seems you knew."
"Well, when I'm with Sara, I can't help but think 'that's just how it is.' Plus, it's convenient."
Chloe was more flexible than her father.
"Well, it is convenient. But this is not okay."
"That's true. I'm not unaware of it, though."
Sara smiled wryly and closed the space she had just opened.
"Now, how should I make excuses, Sara? Once Her Highness Mathilda's condition stabilizes, they might ask about Mr. Paracelsus's movement."
"I can't think of a good excuse right away, so let me make it my homework. I'll think of a way that won't trouble grandfather or uncle."
"Please do that. But I'm really worried. We should discuss this with father again. So many headaches keep coming up. For now, it's late. Children, you should go to bed."
Edward slumped onto the sofa, closed his eyes, and began to gently rub his temples.
It seemed he really had a headache.
"Understood, uncle. Good night."
"Good night, father."
After exchanging brief goodbyes, Sara and Chloe left the room, and the remaining adults all sighed in unison.
"I thought I wouldn't be surprised by Sara anymore, but I was still too naive."
"Even though my skin has rejuvenated, I feel like I've aged all at once."
"That's true. But it's also a fact that that magic helped Adam... Heh, are you really okay with making Sara your adopted daughter?"
"What do you mean asking that now? Even if every day is a series of surprises, I'm happy that Sara has become my daughter. Rob feels the same way."
Watching Rebecca smile gently made Edward and Elizabeth feel that the surprising days weren't so bad after all.
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