~Chapter 59~
“Ah…”
I let out a small sigh. He couldn’t read?
“Didn’t your brother teach you how to read?”
“He does… but since he’s busy with work, he doesn’t get to teach me often. And I was sick a lot too…”
Finn trailed off.
The boy looked ashamed, his face downcast, as if embarrassed that he couldn’t read.
“Hmm…”
Certainly, for a child Finn’s age not to know how to read meant his education was quite late.
But then again, this was an old Western-like era—there were probably plenty of people who lived their whole lives without knowing how to read.
How should I approach this?
After thinking for a moment, I bent down to meet Finn’s eyes.
“Finn, not being able to read is nothing to be ashamed of. So don’t feel so down about it.”
“…”
“But if you can read, you’ll see the world more clearly. Being able to read gives you a weapon—knowledge and information beyond what you can imagine.”
“Weapon…”
Finn muttered, repeating my words.
I smiled and continued. After all, I had plenty of time to spare.
“Finn, how about you learn to read from me?”
“!”
Finn’s eyes widened.
“Good work today. Go in and rest.”
“Thank you.”
Harry bowed to the steward and headed to the servants’ quarters.
It had been another exhausting day.
Servants often had to do heavy work—moving loads that maids couldn’t handle, repairing things around the mansion.
By the end of the day, his body was always tired. He felt like collapsing, but he walked quickly.
Because someone was waiting for him back in the quarters.
‘Did he fall asleep first again today?’
Harry always felt guilty toward his beloved little brother Finn.
Because of his work, Finn often waited for him until he was too tired and fell asleep alone. Harry wanted to spend more time playing with him, but work never made it easy.
‘At least these days, he seems to spend time with the young lady during the day…’
He had seen Lady Hartmann call Finn over to play with her.
That gave him some relief, but still…
‘Tonight I’ll make sure to spend time with Finn before sleeping.’
Resolving that, Harry opened the door.
“…Finn?”
Harry tilted his head.
In the corner was a small desk, and at it sat a child.
But even though Harry had entered, Finn didn’t react—he was absorbed in something.
What was he doing?
“Finn?”
“Ah! You scared me!”
So he hadn’t even heard Harry come in.
Harry approached, and Finn turned quickly, clutching his chest.
“You almost made my heart drop! Brother, are you done with work?”
“Yeah. But what’s keeping my little brother up so late?”
What could have distracted him so much? Harry even felt a pang of jealousy.
As Harry’s gaze fell to the desk, his eyes widened.
“…What?”
Finn was writing with a quill on paper.
The page was filled with crooked but steady letters—he was practicing writing words.
Finn proudly held it up.
“Ta-da! The young lady taught me how to write!”
“…The young lady taught you to write?”
“Yeah!”
Finn nodded eagerly.
Harry’s mouth fell open. He had thought about teaching Finn himself, but work kept him from it.
Yet Lady Hartmann was teaching him. She wasn’t just playing with him.
Finn’s eyes shone brightly.
“Brother, I’ll work hard! I’ll learn to read for sure and make the young lady happy!”
“…”
“Brother, so even if you’re late, it’s okay. I’m busy now, so I don’t have time to play with you anyway.”
Finn waved his hand as if shooing Harry away and turned back to practice again.
“….”
Harry could only stare blankly at his brother’s back.
Knock knock.
A knock came. I closed the book I was reading.
“Come in.”
“…Young lady. Did you sleep well last night?”
“Oh, Harry?”
He stood there, holding a tray with a teacup.
I had asked Sophie to bring me tea while I read, but instead—Harry?
“I was just preparing tea for you, so I asked for permission to come myself. There’s something I wanted to say.”
“…Ah, I see.”
I nodded and accepted the teacup. The handle was warm.
“So, what is it you want to say?”
“I heard you’ve been teaching Finn to read.”
“Ah…”
As expected.
I had thought Harry might bring this up sooner or later—since I wasn’t just caring for Finn, but educating him too.
“At first I thought you were only watching over him… but…”
Harry lifted his head toward me.
“It may be presumptuous of me to say this, but… if teaching Finn feels like an obligation, you don’t have to. He’s used to being alone when I’m working. Please don’t feel sorry for him too much.”
“Hmm.”
“Of course, I’m grateful. But I fear we’re becoming too indebted to you.”
Harry finished and looked at me quietly.
Yes, it was true—I was especially attentive to Harry and Finn.
‘But still…’
A pause. I smiled gently at him.
“Does Finn find me burdensome?”
“Burden? No, he loves it. These days, I think he likes you more than me.”
“Then that’s all that matters.”
“….”
“I was the one who saved him, wasn’t I? I’ve grown very attached to him. I want to take responsibility for Finn. It’s because I want to—not out of obligation. So don’t feel burdened.”
“As long as I live, I want you two to grow strong enough to stand on your own. That way, when I leave… I’ll have no regrets.”
The words rose to my throat, but I held them back. Instead, I said:
“You work so hard to provide for Finn. Leave the child to me—lighten your heart, and focus on your duties.”
And in that moment, I realized—
Lately, I was preparing for farewell. Helping Sophie, deciding to help these two as well…
It was because when the time came, I wanted no regrets.
Helping those I cared about stand on their own—that was what I now longed for.
Harry’s eyes shone faintly as he looked at me.
“…Understood. Then… forgive me, but I entrust Finn to you, young lady.”
Biting his lip, Harry slowly bowed.
“Thank you, always. I will never forget this kindness.”
I thought his eyes were filled with many emotions… but I couldn’t tell exactly what they were.
You’ll figure it out, I’m sure