Valentina made her way to the garden, taking note that the two children had already met.
"I see you've met each other. Charlotte, dear, His Highness will be staying with us for a few days," she announced.
Upon hearing Valentina, Sigrid turned to give a polite bow.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Baroness."
"There's no need for thanks; I'm delighted to have you here. It'll give Charlotte someone to play with, and I won't be so lonely," the older woman replied with joyful exuberance.
"Play?" Charlotte's gaze drifted.
Pretending to be a sweet and frightened child wasn't challenging, but stooping to engage in actual play was out of the question; that would be a blow to her pride. She just hoped the boy wouldn't be too bothersome.
She glanced at him, and he simply smiled back. His cheerfulness was irksome, but if she wanted to keep him as an ally, she'd have to endure it. The maids were quick to serve lemonade and desserts for the trio to enjoy.
"Your father mentioned you've been honing your magic and that you're quite the prodigy."
"I believe my father exaggerates. I have been practicing, but there's still so much to learn," Sigrid maintained his gracious smile.
"I have no doubt of your talent, Your Highness. My granddaughter has shown an interest in the magical arts, haven't you?" she turned to Charlotte.
"That's right, I have no magic myself, but I am curious about it. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to study it at home. I've barely managed to learn to read, and what knowledge I have comes from books," she stated, looking downcast.
"What? Has that woman deprived you of a proper education?" Valentina asked, perturbed.
"No, she says there's no need for me to learn anything because I am not her daughter," Charlotte replied, feigning sadness.
"That woman, I-- my apologies, Your Highness, for such matters being discussed," Valentina said apologetically.
"No need for worry. My tutors will be joining me here during my stay. With the Baroness's permission, Lady Charlotte could join me in my studies."
"That's a splendid idea! Of course, she may," Valentina replied, grateful to the young boy.
"Really? I would be thrilled. Thank you, Your Highness," Charlotte said, clasping the blond boy's hands in hers.
Taken aback by her sudden closeness, Sigrid was nonetheless pleased; the girl was pretty, and her smile charming.
The following day, bright and early, they both joined Valentina for breakfast and then began their lessons. The tutors praised Charlotte's quick grasp of new concepts, and even Sigrid offered his congratulations. Later, in the field beyond the back garden, a swordsmanship tutor trained the blond boy, while Charlotte watched, noting the boy's agility and deducing he had been practicing for some time.
"His Highness excels at everything, don't you agree, Charlotte? Would you like to have him as a husband in the future?" Valentina asked.
Charlotte nearly choked on her saliva at the suggestion—married to the boy? Even though she was only ten, her mind was older.
"Grandmother, what are you saying? I'm just a girl; I'm not thinking about such things. Besides, I barely know him," she said with a slight pout, crossing her arms.
Acting sweetly wasn't hard, and fortunately, she didn't have to engage in playtime with the boy.
"One day, you'll have to think on it. His Highness is an excellent prospect, and I wouldn't want that woman to saddle you with an abusive old man. You deserve the best, like my granddaughter."
"Thank you, grandmother, for looking out for me."
Charlotte hugged her around the waist, secretly relieved; she had first thought the woman to be an elitist but was now realizing that wasn't the case—the woman treated her servants well, and it seemed she only opposed Marquise Nidia.
"Grandmother, may I learn swordcraft?"
"But darling, that isn't for ladies. Wielding a sword will cause calluses on your beautiful hands."
"It doesn't matter; I'll use creams to prevent them. Besides, it would be practical; nobles are always in danger, especially ladies."
Valentina considered Charlotte's words and realized there was some truth to them.
"We'll see if the tutor is willing to assist you."
They waited for Sigrid's training to conclude, and then Valentina approached the tutor with her granddaughter's wishes, but the tutor declined, fearing the girl might get injured and he be blamed.
"The Baroness could sign a document promising not to retaliate if her granddaughter gets hurt, and we could use a blunt sword," Sigrid suggested.
"An excellent idea, Your Highness. Well, tutor, let's proceed to my office; my granddaughter is interested, and I refuse to deny her anything."
The two adults left, while Sigrid joined Charlotte, taking a seat beside her.
"It's the first time I've met a girl who wants to learn swordplay."
"Are you saying it's foolish because I'm a girl?"
Sigrid chuckled at the question.
"No, rather, I find it admirable. Perhaps you'll inspire other girls."
"I'm not concerned about others; what they do is their problem. I only look after myself."
Sigrid was silent after that but smiled whilst watching the girl, finding her interesting and more mature than her years would suggest. They both headed back to the house; Charlotte went to fetch a snack, while Sigrid went upstairs. Upon closing his door, the blond boy smirked devilishly. The shadow behind him took the form of a beautiful red-clad woman with horns and wings.
"You seem in good spirits, Your Highness."
"Indeed, Amira, I think I've found something interesting and potentially very useful."
"The girl? I sensed something unusual in her aura. She claims to lack magic, but it's quite the opposite."
"I'm aware. These days won't be as dull as I anticipated," he commented, thankful his parents had been obligated to take an extended trip and had more trust in the Baroness than to leave him alone in the mansion.
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