Chapter 11
“I agree with the butler’s opinion as well. What a child learns at a young age can influence them for life. I believe we should be more cautious.”
“Yes. Even if she has done us a favor, letting someone whose reputation and ability are unproven enter the family may become a dangerous precedent later. Would it not be wise to reconsider?”
Several retainers who had been quietly watching chimed in, siding with Baron Beighton the moment he opened his mouth.
Clearly, they were all part of the same faction.
Aha. His little clique, of course. All of them scheming together.
Aylesia recalled a similar scene from the early original novel.
These same people constantly obstructed Thermion and often talked down to him.
In short, they were exactly the type who would ruin Eleanor’s flower-covered future.
Now then… How should I crush them so thoroughly that everyone praises me for it?
It would be ideal to catch solid proof and take them out all at once…
but nothing was ready yet.
… Should I just sneak in at night and “delete” them?
One flick of the finger and they’d be gone.
As Aylesia seriously contemplated that terrifying option, Thermion suddenly spoke.
“I never knew everyone cared this much about my niece’s education.”
“As members of the ducal household, it is only natural that we pay close attention—”
Baron Beighton responded immediately, clearly waiting for the cue.
And then Thermion’s aura flipped completely.
“You’re right. It is strange. Before talking about tutors, we should first investigate how this even happened in the first place.”
His polite speech disappeared completely.
Silence fell over the meeting room.
“It took a full week for me to receive the report that Eleanor had gone missing. Why did it take that long? Unless someone was trying very hard… to hide it.”
A gray fog of killing intent began rising around him.
Aylesia’s eyes widened.
Holy— He’s so angry he’s releasing aura unconsciously?
In the original story, Thermion was a once-in-a-century genius—
an Aura Master at age fourteen.
If he grew up normally, he was basically guaranteed to become the strongest in the Empire.
And now that prodigy was radiating pure fury.
Even seasoned adults would faint just from being in front of him.
…In the original story he couldn’t use his full strength because of the curse, either.
Aylesia clicked her tongue lightly.
Beside her, little Eleanor squeezed her hand.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“Uncle looks… really mad…”
Her face had gone pale, her small body trembling.
She was clearly overwhelmed by the killing intent.
He completely forgot his niece was right here.
He was clearly ready to bite someone’s head off.
“It’s alright. Teacher’s here with you.”
Aylesia hugged her gently and rubbed her back.
Thankfully, Eleanor calmed down, though she still looked scared as she stared at Thermion.
Meanwhile, Thermion continued grilling the retainers one by one.
“Sir Dayfold? Your thoughts.”
“The Lady’s protection is entirely the Tigel Knight Order’s responsibility. I have no excuse. If you command it, I will lay down my life right now.”
Kubera—who had been expressionless earlier—now bowed deeply with stark seriousness.
“And you, Madam Hermann?”
“It is my failure for not managing the servants properly. I will accept any punishment.”
Lady Hermann’s voice trembled with guilt.
She clearly blamed herself for failing Eleanor.
Aylesia sighed quietly.
…These two are the innocent ones, though.
The two most blameless people were volunteering for punishment first.
Naturally, the remaining retainers fell silent.
Especially Baron Beighton—who stared at the table like he wished he could sink into it.
It was satisfying…
But Aylesia didn’t feel great watching it.
I don’t want Ellie seeing any more of this.
They had just returned home. This wasn’t exactly a warm welcome.
Aylesia rose from her seat with Eleanor in her arms.
“Aylesia? What are you doing?”
All eyes turned toward her.
Even Thermion sounded confused.
“My seat’s uncomfortable. I’m leaving.”
The retainers’ faces instantly twisted—
because she said this in casual speech.
Aylesia lifted her foot and tapped the ground lightly with magic.
Boom.
Thermion’s eyes widened—
because his aura, which had been filling the room like a tidal wave, suddenly vanished as if swallowed by the walls.
The retainers froze.
Stopping an Aura Master’s killing intent—
without even touching him?
That was unheard of.
“People I’ve never even met keep running their mouths, so I can’t tell if I’m being treated like a savior or a criminal. Is this how the Retis family treats guests?”
“Pardon…?”
“And why is Ellie sitting here in this awful atmosphere? Don’t tell me you think a five-year-old girl has some duty to sit through a meeting like this.”
Thermion slowly lowered his gaze.
His niece didn’t look away—but fear was clear on her little face.
…Oh no.
His fingers tightened on the table until they turned white.
He had terrified not only adults…
but his tiny niece as well.
“If I may speak, Lady Milenoff.”
Since Thermion was frozen, Lady Hermann stepped in.
“All of us, including His Grace, have been living every day in agony since the young lady’s disappearance. Even if you are our benefactor, you cannot speak so lightly.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Whether it came from sincerity or annoyance didn’t matter—
It gave Aylesia the perfect opening.
“And yet, the moment she returns, instead of a warm bath, a change of clothes, or even a piece of cake, the first thing you do is drag her into a meeting?”
Lady Hermann’s face drained of color.
Kubera, usually calm, looked startled.
Even Gavin, who always wore a gentle expression, looked rattled.
Aylesia’s tone was icy enough to make Eleanor whisper:
“T-teacher…”
“It’s okay, darling. I’m not angry.”
She patted Eleanor’s shoulder soothingly.
If she had been angry, this entire room would have been a wide-open clearing right now.
“You can all continue your precious meeting. Lady Hermann?”
“Yes?”
“Why are you still standing there? Do I need to remind you what your most important duty is right now?”
Lady Hermann turned reluctantly to Thermion.
He nodded once.
“…Please follow me.”
“Then we’ll be on our way. Ellie needs her snack, and it’s already an hour late.”
Aylesia strode out with Eleanor.
The glares on her back were intense enough to sting.
Right before the door closed, she locked eyes with Thermion—
but purposely pretended not to notice.
Instead, she used magic to send him a short message.
Cool your head. I’ll take care of Ellie.]
She had humiliated him in public; the least she could do was offer some mental support.
Both Eleanor and Thermion were precious to her.
“Teacher.”
“Hm?”
“…Are you disappointed in Uncle…?”
As soon as they reached the hallway, Eleanor asked with anxious eyes.
Aylesia nearly winced.
She had lectured Thermion, but she wasn’t any better if she made Eleanor think this.
She shifted the child in her arms and met her gaze.
“Disappointed? Why?”
“When you looked at Uncle earlier.”
Eleanor pushed her eyebrows up high.
“You made a face like—this.
The same face you make when Poli steals fruit without permission!”
