"Goodbye, mother, Sally." Letizia's voice was uneven, her mouth quivering, and her eyes moist as she bid goodbye to the two. With her trunk beside her feet, she listened to her mother's and Sally's words. George ensured that he will take care of her, and will teach Letizia to write letters so they could communicate.
George has been a teacher for five years already, three years since he's begun chatting with Sally. Their relationship deepened, and soon, he was hanging out in the Bakery. Jane, Letizia's mother, and Sally have grown deep bonds during their four-year connection. Finding out the idea from her daughter, she didn't object. Sally was already 19 years old, an adult, mature enough to get married. George was allowed to stay in the Bakery, talking with Sally as long as he does not interrupt her. Every evening, he would visit, since he has to teach in the day. Naturally, Sally would be busy, so instead, George would find the child, Letizia, to tease. Eventually, he had pity on her lack of education, on her ignorance of the world and began teaching her. Jane was overjoyed, even giving free snacks and drinks to him. Sometimes, she would invite him to stay with Sally, but as a gentleman, he would decline.
Education is highly regarded. It is also costly that only a few, including the nobles, could have it. Commoners could also learn, but they would mostly be merchant's sons and someone with enough money. Kids at a young age, prefer to help their parents instead of wasting their time sitting in a stool.
Letizia learned these past three years, honing her mind and skills. Her speech has changed from her usual thug like language, her ideas and goals have broadened, and now, she wishes to achieve more. The teen wants the world. Still, she is naive. Things are not quickly done.
Just about two weeks ago, her teacher, George, came to the Bakery with a solemn face. His smile wasn't as excited and bright, his straight back was slightly slouched. "Is there something wrong?" Sally inquired as she sat behind him, massaging his shoulders. He held her hand, rubbing it.
"Sally, the beholder of my soul..." A deep sigh exited from his mouth.
"What's the matter?" She asked again, worried. By the side, Letizia listened, waiting for her studies. Her sessions are only in the afternoon, and her thirst for knowledge makes her eager to begin.
He opened his mouth, but unfortunately, his voice was low, and Letizia's too far away. From that mumble, her mind could not decipher any proper words. She decided to give up. Later that night, she learned it. George has left the capital. A friend of him, a professional teacher educating a baron's children, had informed him to move to the central capital. The Baron will be visiting in a few weeks, and unfortunately, the original tutor cannot handle long travels; therefore, they had chosen to hire another one to substitute for their stay. Since they're slightly related, the 72-year-old man suggested George, allowing him to have better opportunities rather than staying in a small educational school with low wages.
Gladly, he accepted, but now, a problem arises. He is in love with Sally, and Sally is a slave. A person who is under a master and could not disobey. More than that, Jane, Letizia, and the shop needs her, and so Sally would need to remain. He explained adequately, and Sally smiled bitterly, allowing him to leave. Very understandable. That is when Letizia enters. Letizia is still learning, thus needs George. After a few days, she was told that she'll be going with George to the central to resume her studies. Opportunities will be better as well. With a shook of her head, she refused, but her mom convinced her otherwise. She was kicked out of home, forbidden to enter until she agrees. Eventually, she did, which leads us to the current situation.
Jane hugged Letizia one last time before personally lifting up her trunk into the carriage sent to pick them up. George already had plans and excuses, saying that Letizia is his younger sister. Both of them are orphaned-he truly is.
With one last wave, she watched as they disappeared upon taking a turn. "Don't worry, Lety, we will visit. And what's more, this will only be temporary, only for a few months." He says.
It takes them about half a day to reach it. It's wasn't that far. Just that, the horse and driver were slow. When they arrived, they were greeted by a butler. A head servant of the family. Letizia was too preoccupied, still missing her family, that she wasn't able to mind their conversation. George was very patient, introducing her as his sister, and then signaling what Letizia should do. Letizia Mornington, her current identity.
They were shown their rooms inside the large residence with shiny glasses overhead, pretty tiles, and luxurious decorations. A house of a rich person. Letizia was awed, forgetting about her family. Her head was raised up, wishing to see every corner of the house. They were given a room with two single beds. "Make yourself comfortable if you need anything, call me." They exchanged words as the clueless girl enters the room and jumping on the soft bed. George took note to educate her about etiquette. How many times had he apologized for her behavior? A day and a few rules were crammed into her head by the free George. Do not speak unless spoken to, do not make eye contact, and sit, talk, and stand properly. Always speak using polite words. And a few more that she eventually threw at the back of her mind. The only thing she remembers clearly is the words about this house and the owner.
A noble, Aristocrat, person with heroic blood running through their veins. Hundreds of years of lineage. She wonders if that heroic blood is still as sharp and noble as before.
Another day and the noble family had arrived. A Baron, a son, and a daughter. The Baroness had stayed back to deal with the land. They all went outside to welcome the master of the household. Baron Miguel Hernan from the south of the country, Gree. As instructed, Letizia bowed, not looking up from the ground. First and foremost, George said that Nobles are always arrogant. Those of lower titles are more sensitive to any disrespect that they receive, so she has to be cautious. The butler greeted the nobles, and as they pass by, Baron Hernan didn't stop to acknowledge her and George's presence. Truly arrogant. Distasteful. She raised her head slightly to take a peek of his face but instead, saw a chubby boy, about a year younger than her, brown hair and hazelnut eyes. Their gazes met, and she quickly forced them back down. She still wishes to see her mother, and until then, she must stay alive and obedient.