“The academy?” Eve’s mother, Madam Lillath uttered as she continued reading the document in her hand.
Sir Atlea and Eve were in the middle of asking for permission from Eve’s mother to apply for the academy.
“You don’t need that,” she continued.
Sir Atlea and Eve were both taken aback; this was the first time her mother refused the youngest’ request.
“But you’re so adamant for brother and sister to go there even though they despise the idea… why can’t I when it’s my wish?” Eve’s question made her mother froze for a short second. She noticed how her mother’s eyes reflected sadness before she put up her cold expression once more. It was so subtle that Eve was the only one to notice her mother’s mood shift. This made Eve regret wording her reply in such a way, thinking that she had hurt her mother’s feelings.
“I sent them there to fix their childish behavior. You’re not like them…” the madam answered almost in a whisper. It was true that she had sent the elder siblings to fix their behavior. She even told the dean to be extra strict on the kids, especially if they did something that is against the academy’s teachings. Because of this, they hate attending school. The knights of the Gavrech needed to be extra vigilant when it was time to escort the kids back to the academy before the term began. The last time Eve met her brother to save their servant, Hinnan, they were already locked inside the house by one of the grand mages their parents commissioned. So Reon and Ville were not able to exit the house until the grand mage visited again to teleport them to their dorms.
And it was a mess, to the point that the house was almost about to crumble into blocks of ice since the mage froze everyone and everything in the resident out of rage and frustration. It was actually quite a remarkable feat that the eldest were able to trigger the emotions of a grand mage, since one of the qualities a grand mage possess is having a wise mind and a calm demeanor in the face of conflict.
Both madam and the lord of Gavrech must work every day and they often must travel because of that as well. The madam manages the family’s business and household affairs. Being such a rich family with many servants, managing the household alone becomes more like managing a company. So, one can say that the madam acts like the CEO of the company while the Lord handles the main duties of Gavrech, which is working as a sword pillar of the kingdom.
They did not have the luxuries to look after their children, though they do take the kids to work sometimes just so the little ones could observe and hopefully learn from how their parents work.
In that Kingdom, if the parents do not have the time to take care of their children, the children would be assigned a young servant to be their play friend who is old enough to take care of the children’s needs.
Either that, or they will be put in a childcare home so that the kids can play with friends of their age as well. The moment Eve’s elder siblings were old enough to take care of themselves, they were sent to the academy so that they don’t torture the servants of the house with their absurd demands. Specifically, the academy of Gemma because the dean is their parents’ friend, and they agree with his education values.
But the madam never had the thought of sending Eve there since she knew that Eve would be alright if raised at home. Also, because both her and Eve’s father felt more assured if the youngest was to stay at home.
“Madam, may I?” sir Atlea asked for permission to voice his opinion. The madam glanced at him then gave a small nod before dragging her eyes back to read the document in her hand.
“It would help the young lady to widen her perspective if she is able to experience various kinds of society firsthand. I believe it is the perfect place for the young lady to practice her knowledge,”
The madam just remained silent as she finished handling the document first.
“I understand your purpose, and you’ve been remarkable in educating my daughter, which I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the madam opens.
“But…” she says as she puts down her pen and give her full attention to sir Atlea and Eve who seemed nervous to hear what she would say.
“HOW CAN I POSSIBLY PUT MY ADORABLE ANGEL INTO THE DEN OF LIONS?! DO YOU KNOW HOW KIDS HER AGE BEHAVE???!! I AM NOT LETTING HER GET CORRUPTED BY THOSE DEVILS! WHAT IF THEY DO SOMETHING TO HER BECAUSE OF HER SIBLINGS? YOU KNOW THE RUMORS ABOUT THEM, RIGHT? NO! I’D RATHER HAVE EVE FOLLOW ME WHEN I’M WORKING THAN SEND HER TO MINGLE AROUND A BUNCH OF UNRESTRAINED BEASTS! You hear me darling? It’s not because i don’t love you, it is because I love you so much that I'm saying this! Okay? Those little monsters will just be a waste of time for someone like you!”
Sir Atlea and Eve exchanged glances as they listened to Eve’s mother ranting.
“Just imagining one of them touching THE EDGE OF THE HAIR OF MY SWEET LITTLE ANGEL!!! I’LL BURN ANYONE WHO TRIES TO DO ANYTHING FUNNY TO MY LITTLE DARLING! MAKE SURE THEY FEEL MY PAIN WHEN THEY DO THAT TO HER!!”
No one in the room dared to interrupt the madam, not even Eve who seemed to be taken aback by her mother’s sudden outburst.
“AND THERE’S THE CHILDREN OF IYAME THERE! DO YOU KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO DEAL WITH THEM IF THEY HAPPEN TO TAKE INTEREST IN MY LITTLE DARLING EVEN JUST A LITTLE BIT??! EVEN IF THEY DON’T, MY DARLING MIGHT INDIRECTLY GET CAUGHT UP IN THEIR ANTICS. SURELY, YOU’RE NOT BLIND TO THE NEWS, SIR ATLEA? THEY’RE DEMONS! I’M TELLING YOU! THEY’RE WORSE THAN REON AND VILLE! THEY PRACTICALLY HAVE AN ABSTRACTLY TWISTED BRAIN IF I MAY BE BOLD TO SAY!! DON’T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT! EVERYONE HAS BEEN THINKING THE SAME THING, EVEN THE KING GROANS WHENEVER THOSE LITTLE CREATURES ARE IN THE SAME ROOM AS HIM! IT’S BEYOND ME HOW THEY HAVE YET GOTTEN EXPELLED!”
Eve seemed amused listening to her mother. She knew the news and rumors about the children her mother was talking about, but seeing how much her mother, who was immune to her elder siblings, despise them, they must’ve been like abomination to those who must deal with them in person.
She remembered there being triplets around her age, a son one year older than her, another son 2 years older, a daughter 4 years older and the eldest son who is 5 years older than Eve. So, if she were to enter the junior department, it’s definite that she’d at least stumble upon the 5 kids in that department more than once.
“Mom…” Eve called as she hugged her mother’s arm. (Her mother was still complaining, saying “not to mention my sweetheart is extremely BEAUTIFUL! WHAT IF THE BOYS THERE ALL FALL IN LOVE WITH HER? I’LL BURN THEM ALL IF THAT HAPPENS! WHAT IF EVEN THE GIRLS FALL FOR HER??! Well, I guess that’d be alright as long as they don’t do something inappropriate to my little darling…”)
“I’m planning to apply for the research department,” her words made her mother stop speaking as she stares at Eve.
If it was the research department, then the madam’s answer would change, since there were no insane people in that department. At least, that is as far as the madam knows of. Peculiar people, of course, but they were not peculiar in a destructive way.
“You are?” The madam’s emotion suddenly shifts as a smile decorated her face. She cupped Eve’s cheeks to have a better look at her daughter who was doing her best to smile as adorably as possible (of course, Eve’s mother doesn’t realize this and thinks her child is just a natural sweetheart).
Even though the madam knows that Eve has an outstanding mind, she did not expect her daughter to be capable of entering the research department at such a young age. After all, the youngest researchers were 18 years old. One cannot apply for the department if they have yet to master all the subjects required to be eligible for application.
Madam Lillath then looked at sir Atlea to confirm, which he replied with a proud nod.
“The young lady is truly gifted, madam,” he added.
“… what about scholarship? Can we also apply for that?” the madam asked excitedly,
“Of course, we can arrange for that, I will write a recommendation letter. Although, I suggest that the other recommendation letter does not come from you or the lord. Do you have anyone in mind who is also eligible to recommend her?” sir Atlea replied. Although there’s no written rule, it is well known that it would be difficult to receive the scholarship if the high profiled person recommending you, is your own parent. Some examiners might regard you as someone abusing the system.
Madam Lillath pondered for a while. Selecting inside her mind from the options they had. She wished she could request her siblings’ help since they were not only in a high position but also well respected in the kingdom. But they don’t know much about Eve other than her name and date of birth. There was a high chance that they wouldn’t help because they don’t know the child’s capabilities. That was how Madam Lillath family conducts themselves, careful, so that they do not accidentally become involved in unnecessary problems from only being associated to a certain problematic person.
“Would sir Kaya be alright?” she finally spoke, giving the name of a person who she thinks might also be ideal for the task.
Sir Atlea pondered for a short second, trying to remember the man being mentioned, “He would be perfect,” he replied with a smile.
Sir Kaya was Eve’s private tutor for self-defense and martial arts. Although he was technically the adviser of the security and defense department in Gavrech’s family, he used to work as the personal guard of the previous queen. After retiring, he just spends his days leisurely supervising the young talents at the Gavrech household. He volunteered to help the family because Madam Lillath is the previous queen’s favorite child (for weird reasons), so naturally he also favors Madam Lillath over anyone in the kingdom. Plus, working for the households belonging to the sword pillar is not as burdensome as if one were to choose any other household.
This is because the families of the sword pillar themselves are already monstrously strong, they don’t actually need any protection. What they do need is people who can calm them down whenever they become dangerous to others, as well as people who can protect or even rescue bystanders when no one is able to prevent those monsters from wreaking havoc.
.
.
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“Recommendation?” Sir Kaya asked as he put down his drink. He was in his office with the head of the security, discussing an upgraded training program for the knights.
“So, you also inherited Lillath’s talent, huh?” he said at Eve, seeming pleased with the revelation he received. Eve’s mother came from a family who were well known to produce intelligent and wise leaders (hence why many respect them). Eve’s elder siblings are also intelligent, but they’re either too lazy to think or use their gift for the wrong reasons. Wisdom seems to only be inherited by Eve since she is less driven by her emotions than her other siblings.
Now, Eve’s tutors don’t know her activities outside her classes with them. Although Sir Kaya was not surprised when Eve came with Sir Atlea (who was very well known in the kingdom for his innovations) since he had to review the entrance permit for Sir Atlea when he was hired as a tutor. The same cannot be said for Sir Atlea, the gifted scholar seemed excited, almost terrified upon knowing that Eve was studying under Sir Kaya. He thought the Madam suggested Sir Kaya because he was someone non-blood related who was close with the Gavrech. After all, the little girl didn’t really look like someone who works out. Though, this is just because of Eve’s choice of clothing.
Seeing Eve’s interaction with the death Lord (Sir Kaya’s public nickname), Sir Atlea knew that anyone who tries to mess with the little girl will wish they were dead instead. He even secretly hoped that he could witness someone mess with Eve, out of curiosity about what would happen to the unfortunate soul.
Sir Kaya patted Eve’s head, looking like a proud grandfather. After agreeing to teach the little girl, his most favorite child had shifted to Eve, pushing Madam Lillath to the second position.
Just like everyone else who has the blood of Gavrech, Eve was also naturally gifted physically. She was on an equal standing as her brother Reon in this field (though only sir Kaya and her close attendants know this). Sir Kaya was not as ambitious as sir Atlea, so he taught the girl moderately. Although even so, the girl was growing at a very fast pace that Sir Kaya was perplexed at the beginning.
“I’ll write one… what are you researching?” he asked,
“The Craft of Soul Shaping,” Eve shared the title which had naturally pop up in her head when her teacher suggested the research topic. She doesn’t really like the title, but it will do as a temporary one while she plans her proposal.
“... I shall not ask any deeper,” as much as Sir Kaya was confused by the title and almost asked what Eve meant, he knew that even if the girl explained it, he might not have the strength to try and comprehend her explanation. Every student under Sir Atlea’s wings is well known to have complicated minds, so Eve surely must be the same, even if she was still a child.
“I’ll have a servant deliver the letter to you once I’ve written it,”
“Thank you!” Eve said as she hugged Sir Kaya, she regards him as her grandfather before he is her teacher.
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“Now, you just need to plan your proposal and presentation while you wait for our letters,” sir Atlea said as he and Eve returned to her study room.
“When is the deadline?” Eve remembered that the application period for the junior and senior department will be ending soon, so she assumed that the research department would be the same.
“there’s no deadline. You can send your proposal with the letters anytime you think you’re ready,”
“Hmmm…” Eve hummed as her mind became preoccupied with what she should write for her proposal.
“Can I show you my proposal for revision?” Eve asked,
“I’m afraid no… the rule is that no mentor is allowed to supervise the candidate’s proposal. But anyone else is fine,”
Eve grimaced, if sir Atlea cannot review her proposal, then she’d rather work on it alone.
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