MHYFMAMD Ch 42
by rosey“I heard that the young master has been receiving education since he was four. Is he a slow learner?”
“He is, indeed. Most children begin their education as soon as they start talking, so Arden is much delayed.”
“What kind of subjects does the heir to Haberfeld typically study?”
She spoke carefully, but as if it were an offhand remark, her words echoed in the teacup.
“Why are you curious about that?”
“Because the young master, despite being only five, seems very dignified for his age.”
Tenesia tried her best to appear polite.
“I heard that the education is entrusted to Countess Olbeira, so I’ve been quite curious about it.”
“…It’s nothing special. You could say it’s just a continuation of the same curriculum that the late Margrave followed.”
Fortunately, Countess Olbeira seemed to take the question lightly. As Tenesia had hoped, she began to list out the details of the education.
From arithmetic to world history, geography, and more—an excessively demanding curriculum for a five-year-old—flowed from the Countess’s lips.
“Not only I, but the Count also takes a great interest in Arden’s education. For example, with horseback riding, he even teaches him himself.”
“How wonderful.”
It seemed that the education was being carried out sincerely, though the intensity was clearly excessive for a five-year-old child.
“You must have had a hard time raising him. It’s no surprise that the young master grew up well.”
The continued praise seemed to loosen Countess Olbeira’s demeanor. She let out a sigh with a confident expression.
“It’s all because I worked harder than anyone else to ensure that the Haberfeld family wouldn’t be a disgrace. But Margrave doesn’t appreciate it.”
After a brief exchange of light words, she turned to more serious matters.
“Then, after taking charge of Arden’s education, I assume you haven’t had a chance to rest at all, have you?”
“Of course not. The heir’s education is essentially the foundation of the Haberfeld family.”
“That’s true,” Tenesia nodded and set down her teacup. The soft sound of porcelain clinking rang out.
“Perhaps you should take a little rest?”
Before Tenesia could even finish her sentence, the Countess’s furrowed brow deepened.
“I thought we already finished this conversation earlier.”
“It’s not just for the young master, Countess.”
Tenesia spoke with a soothing voice, careful not to offend her.
“I’ve heard that you’ve been absent from social events due to focusing on the heir’s education.”
“Are you trying to say I’m ignorant of the news?”
“Of course not. But don’t you think it’s important to hear news from outside of Haberfeld, too?”
Tenesia paused and leaned forward slightly. Countess Olbeira, trying to appear unaffected, leaned in closer to her face.
As Tenesia whispered, the Countess’s expression began to change subtly.
“That’s impossible.”
“After all, how important is it whether it’s true or not? It’s all about interest to them.”
“What…! Do you have any idea how hard I’ve worked to teach him!”
“I don’t think Countess Olbeira taught him poorly. It’s likely that one of the tutors you hired gave him too much psychological pressure.”
The sound of Countess’s teeth grinding echoed clearly through the sitting room.
“I’ve taught him over and over, and still…! I’ll have to start from scratch and teach him myself.”
She looked ready to jump up from her seat. Tenesia carefully took her hand.
“Please, don’t be too angry. It’s not because Countess Olbeira was jealous, is it?”
“I’ve put so much effort into raising him! I can’t stand the thought of those fools gossiping behind my back.”
Her hand trembled with frustration.
“I have to take him right now. I’ll teach him harshly starting today, and perhaps then he’ll behave better in front of others.”
“Countess, please don’t. Why don’t we try this instead?”
Her sharp eyes, narrowing with anger, locked onto hers. In that gaze, Tenesia felt a strange similarity to the emotion she had first seen in Dietrich’s eyes.
“What are you implying?”
“Wouldn’t people think that the young master’s misbehavior was caused by my teaching if I took him away to play the role of the hostess?”
It seemed that blood truly was thicker than water. The sharp gaze inspecting her was identical to Dietrich’s.
“What do you mean by that?”
“If I handle things this way, the young master’s bad behavior will be attributed to my teaching. Don’t you think it would be better that way?”
Tenesia quickly added,
“There’s nothing to worry about, Countess. You won’t be blamed.”
“But Arden’s heir education…”
“This is just a temporary measure. Plus, you can’t keep burdening yourself indefinitely. If the wedding goes smoothly, maybe you could come to teach him periodically, instead of relying on a tutor.”
Tenesia cautiously laid out what Countess Olbeira truly wanted, beyond just focusing on the heir’s education.
“Wouldn’t it be better to show Margrave the importance of heir education?”
“Hmm…”
As she thought, a long pause followed.
After a few more sips of tea, the Countess’s gaze turned sharply toward Tenesia.