Chapter 45
The best and most effective course of action is to be prepared.
With Erica’s powers, at the very least, she could evacuate people quickly in an emergency.
“As you know, rifts open without warning. In such situations, your detection ability is incredibly helpful to me.”
Sebastian licked his lips, knowing he had to make a very difficult request of Erica.
“Lord Sebastian?”
Erica tried to turn around several times, but Sebastian firmly held both of her shoulders, making it impossible for her to move, signaling he wanted her to listen as she was.
His crimson eyes lowered.
Having to ask something like this of someone younger and weaker than him made him feel cruel and heartless—it was hard to speak.
“I know it’s going to be really scary. But I swear. I’ll protect you, no matter what… I’ll never let even a single hair on your head be harmed… So, can you help me?”
Before his words had even finished, Erica nodded with a determined expression, as if she didn’t need to think twice.
“If I can be of help to you, Lord Sebastian, I want to support you however I can.”
Sebastian looked surprised by her answer, as if he hadn’t expected it.
He covered the lower part of his face with his hand, speechless for a moment.
His broad chest, large enough to rival any adult’s, rose and fell deeply.
Only after a long pause did he manage to take a steady breath and smile.
Though Erica had answered readily, Sebastian knew better than anyone else that this was not an easy decision.
“…Thank you.”
Though it was just a short phrase, it was packed with all of Sebastian’s sincere gratitude.
Erica understood that, and returned a gentle smile.
Sebastian had truly expressed his heartfelt thanks.
“And there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
It was something he’d only planned to mention if she agreed to his proposal.
‘I didn’t expect to bring this up so soon.’
While Sebastian was lost in thought, Erica tilted her head, curious.
“Yes? What is it?”
Sebastian cleared his throat briefly, then got straight to the point.
“You need to study.”
“What? Study?”
Erica looked up at him with wide eyes at his sudden declaration.
This time, Sebastian wasn’t holding her shoulders, so she could turn toward him freely.
Seeing her face suddenly up close made Sebastian freeze with a sharp inhale.
Had he ever seen her face from this close before?
His crimson eyes darted around.
Her soft white skin.
Her wavy hair.
Those bright golden eyes, always sparkling.
Her slightly flushed, peach-colored cheeks were utterly adorable, and her small, slightly parted lips looked cute too.
When they first met, she’d been so skinny she was practically just bones. She was still on the thin side, but she had filled out a bit now, making her look much healthier and pleasant to the eye.
‘Why is she so cute? Was she always this cute?’
If a toy shop in the village sold dolls that looked like Erica, they’d sell like crazy.
“The young master is truly blessed. Just watch—our little lady will grow up and capture the hearts of many men.”
“Exactly! That saying about promising sprouts? That’s definitely about our little lady!”
He even remembered how Millard and Joanna had once casually said that in front of him without any fear.
Sebastian stared at Erica’s face like he was under a spell.
“Lord Sebastian?”
Startled by her voice, he instinctively stepped back to widen the distance between them.
Only then did he feel like he could finally breathe again.
He glanced sideways at her and, thankfully, she didn’t seem to find his reaction strange.
Perhaps she was too preoccupied with his statement about studying to notice.
As expected—
Her small lips quickly fired off a string of questions.
“Please explain! What do you mean by that? I have to study? All of a sudden? What kind of studying?”
Seeing her slightly pouting face, Sebastian snapped back to his senses.
‘Am I out of my mind? What am I even doing?’
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and scratched his neck, feigning nonchalance.
“What? You don’t like studying?”
Erica quickly straightened her expression.
Even that slightly sulky face looked so cute that Sebastian had to clear his throat again to regain composure.
“I don’t dislike it… it’s just kind of sudden.”
Then she yawned, unintentionally.
“Oh dear, it’s already so late.”
Sebastian frowned slightly after checking the time.
“Go to bed for now. I’ll explain everything tomorrow.”
“But…!”
“It’s nothing urgent, so you don’t need to feel pressured.”
He gently patted her head to reassure her.
Unable to argue any further, Erica hesitantly muttered,
“I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep from the curiosity… So you have to promise to tell me tomorrow, okay?”
“I promise.”
Sebastian chuckled softly and nodded.
A few days later, a guest arrived at the Acliff Duchy.
It was the teacher who would be instructing Erica.
Thanks to Sebastian’s prior notice, Erica had been preparing herself since morning.
She stood in front of a full-length mirror, nervously checking her appearance from different angles.
“Joanna, how do I look…?”
“You look perfect as always, young lady!”
Joanna gave her a thumbs-up with an exaggerated “Hnnngh,” like a tipsy uncle.
Since her maid did this sort of thing all the time, Erica didn’t find it particularly reliable today.
With a light sigh, she turned to Lady Alma.
As always, Alma smiled gently and gave the reassuring answer Erica needed.
“Your outfit is neat, so you won’t give a bad impression. And the color of your dress suits you very well, which will enhance your overall presence.”
Only then did Erica nod slightly.
Lady Alma was kind, but also gave precise advice, so she was trustworthy.
“Thank goodness.”
Erica muttered quietly, then glanced at the wall clock.
“I should head down now, right?”
“If you go now, you won’t be late.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
Erica stepped out of the room.
A few days ago, Sebastian had told her that it was time for her to begin studying how to manage the affairs of the Acliff Duchy.
That meant she would be allowed to access more important and private matters of the Duchy.
“Is it really okay for me to do something so important?”
“Then who else, if not you?”
“I mean… I guess, but still…”
Erica couldn’t help feeling a little overwhelmed.
“Besides, you’ll be helping me understand the ‘rifts’ from now on. For that, you’ll need to know all about the Duchy and its inner workings. Think of this as studying for that purpose.”
That made sense.
She agreed, and Sebastian informed her that a teacher would visit the mansion within a few days.
And that day had finally come.
Erica headed down to the drawing room.
Sebastian wasn’t with her today.
At dawn, she had woken from a disturbing and cold feeling and had rushed to his room, reporting that it felt like a rift had appeared.
Without hesitation, Sebastian got up from bed.
Erica wondered if she should go with him to investigate, but Sebastian shook his head.
“You have someone important to meet today. It’s okay. Just tell me the direction. I’ll go check it out.”
“Please be careful.”
And so, at sunrise, Sebastian left the duchy with a small group of knights.
‘Even though Lord Sebastian isn’t here, I must do well and meet the teacher properly on my own.’
Erica steadied her wavering heart and walked toward the drawing room, where Felix and the teacher would be waiting.
Knock knock.
“Father, it’s Erica.”
“Come in.”
After receiving permission, she carefully opened the door and entered, spotting a graceful woman sipping tea elegantly.
Erica walked quietly toward the tea table.
After briefly greeting Felix and sitting down, she felt the woman’s gaze sweep over her.
“Is this the child?”
“Yes.”
Felix and the woman exchanged a few short words over Erica’s head.
“Hmm.”
The woman spread open her fan and covered the lower half of her face from nose to chin.
Her eyes, examining Erica, were rather sharp.
Nervous, Erica recalled the etiquette she’d learned at the Marquisate of Blanche and bowed politely.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Erica.”
“Hmm. I see. It’s a pleasure.”
A curt reply came back in a cool, detached tone.
