Chapter 17
The man had only ever exchanged a polite nod with me from a distance. I couldn’t understand why someone like him was showing me such kindness.
Even considering political gain, there was little to benefit from. I was someone who had, albeit unintentionally, disgraced the imperial family.
Wasn’t I the villainess who stole the place of the Estarion’s noble daughter—the fiancée of the Crown Prince?
And this man, whose noble status wasn’t even officially established yet, had no reason to approach me and stir up scandals.
“You don’t seem to understand.”
“It’s just a hard offer to accept easily.”
“Ah, I cut off the explanation too soon, huh.”
The Duke nodded slightly, arms crossed over his chest.
Thick forearms and distinct chest muscles were visible beneath his loose garments.
He was the complete opposite of the graceful Crown Prince, and I felt a bit embarrassed by the contrast. I avoided his gaze and waited for his reply.
“Hmm.”
He looked as though he was pondering how to explain a long, complicated story.
There was a certain casualness and lightness to his gestures, a free-spiritedness rarely seen in noble society.
“Well, it’s simple. I need a capable tutor, and you need a place to stay. I heard you’re highly skilled in this area.”
“……”
“As you know, I’m a former slave.”
“Yes.”
“I’m illiterate. Don’t even know proper greetings or table manners.”
I was a bit surprised at how bluntly he referred to himself as illiterate. He continued speaking with a biting tone.
“Why you, of all people? Because you’re disconnected from noble society—there’s no risk of word getting out if I mess up. And yet, you know noble society better than most.”
My brows furrowed instinctively. So, he wanted me as a tutor precisely because my situation and his needs aligned perfectly.
“I hope you’re not offended. But that’s the reality, isn’t it?”
“…You’re right.”
It wasn’t that I felt insulted. It was just the absurdity of my life turning upside down in an instant that made me laugh.
This cruel world where even friendship vanished just because my bloodline was denied.
“Do you… have anywhere to go?”
“No. I don’t.”
I replied as casually as I could, hoping I didn’t seem pathetic.
Aiden raised a brow, intrigued by my response, then gave a faint chuckle.
“Can I assume you’ll accept?”
“How much is the salary?”
“Thirty gold. With that kind of pay, by the time you leave here, you could live comfortably for the rest of your life.”
Thirty gold was roughly what a middle-class family spent in a whole year. Offering it as a monthly wage was beyond generous.
‘Ah… now I really can’t turn this down.’
There wasn’t much to think about. I had nowhere to go and desperately needed money.
Offering me thirty gold meant he wanted to uphold my dignity—and also that I needed to teach him proper manners quickly.
Just as I was about to accept, he cut in.
“I’ll take that as a yes. You should start teaching once you’ve recovered.”
“Alright. I’ll do that.”
Aiden chuckled at my reply, giving me a sly grin.
A faint scar on his cheek dimpled as he smiled.
Mimicking a noble’s etiquette in his own awkward way, he gave me a small nod.
“Then I’ll be in your care, Teacher.”
Watching him interpret etiquette so freely gave me the feeling that teaching him wouldn’t be easy.
“You’re up early.”
The one who spoke to me was a maid of Duke Calypso’s residence. She introduced herself as Sophie.
After I’d passed out upon arriving at Aiden’s mansion from the Inquisition, she had nursed me with utmost care.
“Haa… Haa…”
“You must’ve had a nightmare. You’re safe now. Everything’s fine. There’s nothing to be afraid of or hurt by anymore.”
Before I could even speak, Sophie said exactly what I needed to hear.
Even if it were a lie, I felt tears of joy.
No more Inquisitors. No more shivering in the cold. Most of all, no more torture. That alone brought relief.
“Please stay in bed. Your body’s still weak.”
“…How… ahem. Cough, cough!”
“You fell asleep and stayed unconscious for two full days. It seems your condition was worse than expected.”
My voice barely came out. Each cough made my whole body ache as though it were breaking apart.
“Water… please.”
Sophie gently helped me up and brought water to my lips.
As I drank, I could finally breathe. Then she said,
“If treatment had been delayed, you might’ve had to amputate your hands or feet due to frostbite.”
As I checked my limbs in a panic, she explained further.
“The Duke brought a healing priest just in time. But they said they can’t do much about your accumulated fatigue and psychological trauma.”
“I’m alright.”
I was just thankful to be alive. And to think he even brought a healing priest… That was more than I ever expected.
Suddenly, the door swung open without a knock. The unexpected visitor was none other than Aiden.
He had just finished training and must’ve come right after a bath—water was still dripping from his hair.
“You’re awake. That’s the second time you’ve lost consciousness since arriving.”
He examined me closely. Embarrassed by my condition, I instinctively lowered my head.
That’s when my bruised, frostbitten wrists came into view—horribly discolored.
“I should’ve checked your wrists and ankles the first day. The injuries were hidden under your clothes, so treatment was delayed. They’ll probably scar.”
“It’s okay.”
“Really? Don’t women usually hate having even the smallest scar?”
“I’m just thankful I didn’t lose any limbs.”
Aiden sat beside me. Sophie quietly left the room to give us space.
“Ahem.”
He cleared his throat awkwardly, searching for words.
As he ran his hand through his hair, a droplet flicked onto me.
“Ah—sorry.”
“It’s fine. More importantly, thank you for bringing the priest.”
At my gratitude, Aiden crossed his arms over his chest and smiled faintly.
Though his grin was slick, he looked anxious and tired.
“Isn’t it natural for a student to support their teacher in a crisis?”
“I was worried you might face trouble because of me. After all, I did come back from the Inquisition.”
“I heard there was no evidence of black magic.”
“That’s right. I never used it.”
“Then there’s no problem.”
He spoke with the confidence of someone who feared nothing in the world.
“Hurry up and get better so we can start the lessons.”
What is this man’s true intention? There’s no reason to go this far just for a tutor.
“Aiden Calypso… what are you scheming to treat me like this?”
“Huh?”
“That’s the face you’re making right now.”
“…I am curious. It made sense you sought me out at first, but helping someone who came back from the Inquisition… It’s hard to understand.”
Just hearing the word Inquisition sent a chill down my spine. The memory made it hard to breathe.
Aiden’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched me.
“The Inquisition has officially declared you innocent. You won’t have to go back. Don’t be afraid.”
That place no longer had anything to do with me—at least according to him.
But the trembling wouldn’t stop. Fear kept surging inside me uncontrollably.
I tried to hold it in, but tears welled up and my nose stung.
“Calm down. You’re safe now.”
Aiden reached out to comfort me, then hesitated.
We weren’t close, nor had we known each other long.
Instead, he pulled the blanket over my shoulders gently.
The warmth slowly eased my trembling. He waited silently with patience until I regained my composure.
“I’m… ahem… alright now.”
It took a while, but I eventually calmed down. Through it all, Aiden stayed by my side without a word of complaint or frustration.
“You did well.”
“……”
“And you endured it all.”
Those simple words struck something deep inside me. My eyes welled up again, and I bit my lip to keep from crying.
“I’ll make sure to repay your kindness.”
“…What?”
Aiden’s brows furrowed tightly.
“I’ll be useful to you. As much as you need me.”
“……”
He opened his mouth, then closed it again, unable to find a response.
“Phew.”
He ran his hands over his face and sighed deeply.
“Fine. Yes. I do need your skills. That’s true.”
His dark eyes were intense. But I didn’t know Duke Calypso well enough to read what lay beneath that sharp gaze.
“So get well soon and get to work. I’m nothing more than a wild beast who can’t read or write. Teach me, make me into a proper human.”
“……”
“I’m far more messed up than you think.”
“You don’t seem that way.”
“That’s because you haven’t seen the raw version of me. And I don’t want you to. I’ve got a lot to learn, and only you can teach me. Because…”
I swallowed dryly, for no reason at all. He opened his mouth again, then shut it with a deep breath and a shake of his head.
“Forget it. No point saying all this to someone who just woke up. Anyway—have you eaten? You’ll need food before taking any medicine.”
Before I could answer, he called out loudly for Sophie to bring food.
“Can I ask you one thing?”
“What is it?”
“Why me?”
“What do you mean?”
“There are plenty of tutors. If you wanted to integrate into noble society, you had better options. So why me?”
“I told you—you were the right person.”
“People who’ve been to the Inquisition always carry a stigma. No matter how capable I am, it’s better to keep your distance. That’s why I don’t understand why you chose me.”
“What kind of answer do you want?”
“Pardon?”
“Tell me. I’ll give you the answer you’re hoping for.”
