"This is Marquess Dexter Vandran, your instructor in literature, and I will be your tutor in history. We're still looking for suitable tutors for your other subjects."
Conan laid his hand in front of the man standing beside him with a kind smile on his face. Aries curtsied to greet them, offering a meek smile.
"I will be in your care, Marquess Vandran, and Sir Conan."
"Don't worry about it. Marquess Vandran will brief you about your class and tomorrow will be the start of his official lesson." Aries nodded while listening to Conan's instructions before the latter left the two alone in the library. She held her hand to stop it from shaking, feeling a bit awkward with her tutor.
"Why don't we sit, Lady Aries?" Marquess Dexter Vandran offered a kind smile, motioning his arms towards the chairs.
"Uh, yes."
The two of them perched across from each other. As soon as he sat down, he checked the books on top of the table between them. While he did so, Aries carefully studied the nobleman of Haimirich.
'Will he really teach me?' she wondered, flinching when Dexter broke his silence.
"I heard you can read our empire's language?" he inquired, casting her a quick look.
"Uh... yes."
"Can you tell me what you learned so far?" he inquired with his eyes on the book that was opened, flipping the pages with care. "I know history is not part of my lessons, but I would like to know how deep is your understanding."
Aries pressed her lips into a thin line as she cleared her throat. She was glad that this Marquess truly went to her to tutor her. So, this slightly put her at each before she explained the little understanding she had about the history of the empire.
This was very unlike her life in the Maganti Empire. Not that she was complaining. To be frank, this was not the kind of life she expected when Abel took her in. But then again, maybe it was just a matter of preference. Maybe Abel just wanted his pet to stand out as a smart one since he was the emperor. Everything around him should be exceptional.
"That's interesting." Dexter nodded, peeling his eyes away from the pages to her. "And you only gained this knowledge in two days?"
"I still have many things to learn, my lord."
"I know, but it's interesting." Finally, a subtle smile appeared on the charming marquess as he closed the book. "I was told to tutor you and decide if I would like to take the job. I'm accepting it."
"Pardon?"
His smile remained. "My lady, Conan chose me, but the decision to be your official tutor still lies in my hand. Conan said you are quite exceptional, and he didn't disappoint."
"Oh..." she rocked her head in understanding, flustered by the compliment. It seemed the marquess had the liberty to refuse, she thought, thinking, that Dexter was probably an important subject. But then again, he was a Marquess.
"I will come by tomorrow around the same time. Read the first chapter of this book and tell me your thoughts about it." Dexter handed a book of literature to her as he spoke. "You don't have to beat yourself with it. I just like to hear your thoughts so I know where to start."
"Alright. Thank you."
The space between his brows wrinkled as she accepted a book. "You don't have to thank me, my lady."
"But I still like to," came out a weak reply as she sported a subtle smile.
"Too much kindness in this place will be the death of you," he remarked in the same distant tone. "The palace is not a kind place and it will ruin you if you're not careful."
"Thank you for the advice." She tilted her head down, standing up when Dexter stood. The latter didn't speak anymore as he beckoned a polite bow before leaving her alone. Aries stood in the same spot while staring at the shut door where Dexter left.
She had noticed this before from Conan and the maids that were serving her. There was this firm invisible barrier around them, separating her from them. Hence, making her feel she was an outsider. Aries was already used to that sort of treatment, as she was also an outcast in the Maganti Empire. So, it doesn't affect her.
The only difference was, the people in this place were still kind to her and treated her well. It was more like they were keeping their distance because they didn't want to get attached.
'Should I try to reach out first?' she wondered, walking back to her seat and gazed at the book Dexter handed to her. 'To survive, I needed allies. Although the people here are keeping their distance, they weren't as hateful as those in the Maganti. I couldn't feel hostility from these people too.'
It was strange for her, but Dexter was right. This palace wasn't a kind place, especially with Abel on the throne. But sometimes, in a place where kindness wasn't needed, that light was also something that people would crave.
Her eyes glinted as she leaned back, the book in her hand covering her lips. "I will not find out if I don't try," she murmured, planning her way to gain more allies in this place.
'I'll start with the servants and Marquess Vandran. It's not easy, but if I can get more information from them about Abel's preferences. It will extend my life. Who knew when that man will finally snap?'