Once Charlotte went to Louis earlier to learn more about gardening, it was time she was called out again. This time it was Leon who suggested that the Duke call Charlotte. Just as she was about to have fun with Louis again, it was interrupted enough to think
"So you mean I should go to the market with Sir Leon and buy some necessary books for my lessons, don't you, Father?"
Asked Charlotte, but her tone was shrill now. The lady's eyebrows drew together, her mouth was slightly open and her eyes widened for a moment. Back then, she just wanted to enjoy the time she had for the day with Louis. Surely she will learn many lessons from the young man - but once again it was ruined by the situation she finds herself in
"Yes Charlotte and you must go whether you like it or not. You will use these books for your lessons with Leon. So you have to go and if you want - you can bring a knig------ -"
This time, however, Fred couldn't finish, as Charlotte immediately interrupted her father with a giggle that escaped her mouth
'As I thought, if not a knight she will bring. It can only mean one person...'
Fred watched her daughter from the look on her face that seemed frustrated with how she was acting at the moment. Surely he had known that she was improving greatly. In the past, if she never liked someone or something, she would certainly beat them up or even destroy things in front of him. However, the time he sees his daughter calm down was big improvement enough
"All right, father, I agreed. Thanks for letting me know about the lessons."
A small, soft voice echoed in the Duke's office. He never thought Charlotte would act like this, although he expected it. His expectations had a much smaller impact than what he had seen. The reality that his daughter had slowly been transformed by the butler's teachings was the reason he couldn't open his eyes until Charlotte had actually asked her a favor
Whatever it is, even if it's Louis - it's fine. As long as he changed my daughter for the better. Then that would be a good example, wouldn't it?'
As he answered his questions, he had to sigh for a second before looking at her daughter. This time - his facial expression wasn't like he was staring at something seriously but he smiled at her daughter as he said the next few words that made Charlotte jump up happily and hug her father
"Fine, as long as you can keep up with your class"
"Thanks father!"
The Duke can only shake his head and smile while patting Charlotte on the back
"All right then."
He then giggled as Charlotte tightened her hug for a second before relaxing it.
Leon, on the other hand, couldn't take his eyes off Charlotte. The way she moves, the way she reacted to everything and the way her face makes different kinds of expressions, the way she hugs her father
All characteristics of a lady who once again made his heart beat faster. This makes it beat faster than before and when he wanted to take his eyes off the lady, he met hers. But what made her double her previous size was the lady's
smile
He couldn't even understand why, but his ears were deafened by the drumbeat in his body.
He couldn't control it, although he knew there was always a dark side to his personality, whenever he saw the lady the good side of him always prevailed. He has never known the reasons for this, but he is already sure of it - at the time of their first meeting. He was already tied up by her
'I think I really had offered a ministry that can last a lifetime. I have found my additional reason to live peacefully and it is the lady who was already before me.'
***
Louis gardened happily, the previously plain bushes - not pretty to look at - were now works of art. He had landscaped the garden almost beautifully with the lady's help, but when he was about to do the other landscaping to formally complement the small pond the household had - Oliver named it
Only then does Louis' attention shift from the garden to the old butler
"Louis, that's enough for today. You should get dressed, by then you must be at the market with Lady Charlotte."
That creased Louis' eyebrows
"Why the market? Did Milady suggest we go there again-------"
But before Louis could finish thinking, he heard Oliver laughing in front of him and that's why Louis' eyebrows started to wrinkle even more
"I know you must be surprised to know Louis. However, to explain it to you, Milady has asked you to be with her while you both go to a bookshop in the market. Don't worry, you'll meet Sir Leon there"
'So that's it. I guess Milady really needs to be guided as did her previous tutor - I can suggest the books for her to read. But I'm also curious enough about the new tutor. I just have to find out.'
After Oliver Louis explained those words, his expression softened and he smiled at the old butler
"Well, for today - I hope Milady enjoys it."
"Yes, Sir Oliver. I hope she will."
A few minutes later
"Lady Charlotte, are you sure you wanted to bring your butler?"
Leon couldn't finish what he was saying to the lady as Charlotte looked at him. That's not the kind of look he's expecting. That's because the look he received from the lady was more like an evil look
"Sir Leon, it is true that you may come with me to the market to buy books, but do not speak to my butler like that. I care about him – so leave him alone, okay?"
Like a mature lady, Charlotte said these words in a calm but controlled tone. They were already at the entrance to the household, waiting for Louis, who was preparing. However, when Leon got the chance to speak to the lady, he was also petrified, knowing that the butler really does have a deep interest in the lady that he couldn't have known before
"I guess I was taken out of context earlier, Lady Charlotte. Forgive this servant ------"
Again
Leon wasn't able to finish what he was saying, knowing that Charlotte let out a long sigh in front of the young man and looked at him. This time he looked at him seriously - not like before. Eyes, that silver that could instantly pierce his soul, rendered him unable to move for a second
Swallowing with the sudden intensity of the atmosphere they were having, Charlotte made the first move that shocked Leon enough to make his eyes widen and his brow furrow
"Listen, I don't think you would know this, but please don't say a few rude words to Louis. He's a person who taught me a lot of things, so I can't tolerate people who put him down. Do you understand, Sir Leon? Oh !And please you are not a servant of this household, why would you call it that?!From now on I appreciate you being my tutor but at the same time - if you really wanted to then be my friend The only way to respect me and Louis, okay?"
Charlotte said those words while holding both of Leon's shoulders, then smiled at him. The kind of smile that's real enough to captivate everyone
'I guess some rumors about her were never justified. She acted this way to protect those she loves. Now I understand her better. The closer I get to her – the more I understand her better than before. She really appreciates her butler so much and I think I have to respect that part of her. Also, I gained another favor from her - I've now become her friend.'
"Okay, if that's what the lady said then I guess - I have no choice"
Just as Charlotte was about to say something to Leon, Louis was already there. That's when she immediately let go of Leon and went to Louis instead
"Louis, let's go"
At that moment, Leon's eyes widened
'So all in all she gives more importance to her butler than to me. Ever since I met this lady I've been able to get interested in her and until now – I think I'm really intrigued.'
"Wait, don't you miss something Lady Charlotte?"
"No, and we'd better get started now"
In a calm, serene voice, Charlotte still managed to smile. However, that smile was never aimed at Leon.
It only made the young man sigh as he shook his head
'I think it's quite a challenge for me'