Chapter 6

Estella was completely caught off guard by her sudden face-to-face meeting with Diego.

She had seen him from a distance before, but this was the first time she had stood this close to him—and actually spoken to him.

For a moment, Estella stared blankly at his face.

His dark reddish-black hair was neatly swept back, giving him a restrained and disciplined appearance.

His deep-set eyes beneath thick brows, along with his sharp nose, made him look like a famous movie star from another era.

He wore a polite smile, but it was also clear that the smile was not genuine.

Only after a moment did Estella force herself to look away.

He looked like the perfect gentleman on the outside—

But he was also the man who would one day slaughter his own family.

Naturally, she felt tense.

Diego looked at her calmly.

“You must be the new governess.”

Then his gaze shifted to Cedric, who was on Estella’s back.

His eyes briefly took in Estella’s messy loose hairs and the sweat on her temples.

“You seem quite busy taking care of the children.”

Estella quickly adjusted Cedric’s slipping leg and answered as calmly as possible.

“Children in their growing years tend to run around a lot.”

“I’ve heard Cedric has been causing much less trouble since you arrived.”

This is considered less trouble?

Estella instinctively glanced at Cedric on her back.

She wanted to question that statement, but Diego continued before she could.

“I also just heard Mother praising Cedric. Apparently, my younger brother’s academic talent is quite remarkable?”

His voice sounded amused, but his eyes were cold.

Estella immediately understood.

This wasn’t simple curiosity.

He was testing her.

She knew praising Cedric too much in front of Diego was dangerous.

But since the Duchess had already bragged, she had no choice.

“He has recently completed The Bloodline of Meskida.”

“Already?”

Diego sounded impressed.

Estella couldn’t tell whether it was praise or mockery.

If Cedric was gifted, then Diego was a true genius.

When Cedric’s progress amazed Duchess Anna, Diego had already surpassed such achievements at an even younger age.

Diego smiled faintly.

“As expected of Father’s favorite son.”

“Young Duke…”

Estella’s face paled.

Diego’s eyes slowly shifted toward Cedric.

Cedric had buried his forehead against Estella’s shoulder, shrinking back.

Only then did Estella realize—

Neither Cedric nor Cecilia had greeted Diego.

Diego called softly,

“Cedric.”

“…Yes, Brother.”

“You don’t even acknowledge me now?”

Cedric quietly muttered an apology.

The sound of Diego clicking his tongue felt unusually loud.

“An elder is speaking, yet you avoid eye contact. Such poor manners.”

He adjusted his cufflinks.

“Education is important, but it seems etiquette lessons also require attention.”

“I will correct it.”

Estella immediately bowed her head.

Diego merely shrugged.

“I don’t expect much. Basic manners should be taught by parents first, but as you know, neither of their parents are particularly qualified in that regard.”

His voice remained soft and elegant.

But his words openly insulted both his father and Cedric’s mother.

Honestly, Estella didn’t think he was wrong.

The Duke had abused his first wife and committed adultery.

Duchess Anna was equally awful.

But the real problem was—

The children were hearing all of this.

Estella clenched her hands.

Cold sweat ran down her back.

Taking a breath, she finally spoke.

“With respect, Young Duke… children this age do understand what you mean.”

For the first time, Diego looked slightly surprised.

Then he replied coldly,

“Did I appear to be showing concern for my half-siblings?”

His tone made it clear—

He absolutely was not.

Estella knew well what cruelty hid beneath his polished appearance.

Without hesitation, she set Cedric down.

She placed Cecilia’s hand in Cedric’s.

“Young Master, please go ahead to the training grounds.”

“…Okay.”

“Hold Lady Cecilia’s hand tightly.”

Cedric looked unusually intimidated.

He nervously glanced at Diego.

Estella gently patted his back, urging him forward.

Finally, Cedric gathered courage and quickly led Cecilia away.

Diego watched their retreating figures for a moment.

“I never told you to send them away.”

His words clearly criticized Estella’s decision.

Estella took a deep breath and straightened herself.

“Adult matters should be discussed between adults.”

This was one of her principles as a teacher—

Children deserved respect, but they should not carry adult burdens.

She didn’t want Cedric and Cecilia to grow up too soon.

Bowing politely, she said,

“I will pay closer attention to Cedric’s manners from now on. He was simply nervous, not intentionally disrespectful.”

Diego stared at her silently for a moment.

Then he suddenly asked,

“Your name?”

“Estella Margaret Montiel. You may call me Miss Margaret.”

“Miss Margaret…”

He spoke thoughtfully.

“I can understand why the butler seems less worried about my siblings now. You appear to be teaching them rather well.”

Estella blinked in surprise at the sudden compliment.

Then Diego casually continued,

“Mother wished to arrange a dinner to celebrate Cedric’s brilliance, but I reminded Father of his busy schedule.”

“…Excuse me?”

“However…”

A faint smile crossed his lips.

“If I help, matters may proceed more smoothly. I may have time tomorrow.”

Estella froze.

“Young Duke… what do you mean?”

“I mean…”

His smile widened.

“I look forward to Cedric’s performance at tomorrow’s dinner banquet.”

It felt like a lightning strike.

Estella could only stare.

The Bloodline of Meskida was over 500 pages long.

Today they had only covered 120 pages.

Even with summary teaching, there was no way Cedric could master it all by tomorrow.

But Diego clearly didn’t care.

“For now, I shall see you at dinner.”

With that, Diego gave a polite nod and walked away.

His gentle smile somehow looked even more infuriating.

Estella stood frozen for a long time.

Then she finally let out a hollow laugh.

“He expects me to teach that entire book… in one day?”

If Cedric failed and embarrassed himself, Duchess Anna would immediately fire Estella.

Before Cedric and Cecilia could even be murdered—

Diego might destroy her livelihood first.

After calculating how little time remained until tomorrow evening, Estella suddenly broke into a run to find Cedric.

Tonight—

There would be no sleep.