The White Mansion was very lavish and it clearly showed. For example, even the meeting chamber was coated with gold and adorned with a majestic chandelier, paintings, velvet carpets, and art pieces.
Ethan's family was currently discussing the Tutor issue and Alier had suggested to offer advice.
"What do you suggest?" Albaer asked as he looked at Alier optimistically.
"Earlene Farley," Alier said with hesitation.
"What? But she's just a girl..." Grandma White said. "Will she be able to teach Ethan well?" She asked further skeptically.
"Although she's a girl... she has proved herself to be a genius of great caliber. She even has the title of 'Royal Scholar'. She has also written many books on a variety of topics such as the military and magic. And not to forget that she is a true born Noble and the Daughter of a Count!"
"But that still doesn't change the fact that she's just a young girl, does it?" Albaer said.
"Brother... We have no other choice. And we can use this to our advantage. I have heard that Count Farley is very supportive and fond of his daughter and By giving his daughter such honor we can gain an ally." Alier said trying to convince everyone.
"But still..." Albaer said.
"Brother, she also has the blessings of the wind. And... Ethan might do well with someone close to his age as his tutor." Alier said.
It wasn't a bad option but Albaer was hesitating because even though Earlene Farley had recently become extremely famous and a role model for countless women but in the end, she was just a girl.
Even though Albaer wasn't as closed-minded as compared to others in the world of Akarxia he still hesitated because this directly affected his son.
In the end, he decided to hire Earlene as Ethan's tutor as it wasn't like she was not capable of the job. There were no other options and looking for other well-known scholars would only waste more time.
Albaer who was contemplating for quite a while sighed and said, "Fine, send a messenger to Count Farley with a letter. And I will write the letter myself."
"Yes, Your Grace" Alier said with a smile and left. Grandma and Granpa White looked at Albaer's worried expression and decided to leave as well.
"I worry about him... How will he survive in this world like this?" Albaer said to Aisha with a bit of a downcast expression.
"Don't worry dear, he has his siblings... and we as a family will take care of him," Aisha said as she leaned onto Albaer.
After that, Albaer wrote a letter and stamped it with the insignia of the White Duchy which was a Torch illustrated by interconnected lines with a White Flame on it.
***
I was reading a book called "Records of Lancelot" on my desk when a knock sounded and my maid came inside. I just peeked from the side of the book in her direction for a second and went back to reading.
She bowed and said, "M'Lady, The Lord wants to see you. He says it's important."
I put aside the book in frustration, 'What could it be now? Another silk pant Young Master asking for my hand?' I thought.
I am Earlene Farley, The unparalleled genius scholar of the Atrana Kingdom, or so they call me nowadays. It's always like this... they will sugarcoat you with fancy words and titles when you achieve something but when it comes to real freedom? no one will say anything about it.
I have seen far numerous aristocratic girls married off to some cruel and arrogant man merely for the benefit of the 'Family' and how that ruined their lives. I have worked hard so that I don't end up like them.
It doesn't matter if my father is a good man or not. In front of true power even he will kneel one day and I must gain enough power myself for my freedom.
"Uhh. M'Lady?" The maid asked and I woke up from my thoughts.
I stood up and placed the book back in the drawer of my desk and left to see my father.
I knocked before entering and saw my father buried under a mountain of paperwork as usual, but he seemed to be more vibrant than usual too.
My Father, James Farley a Count of the Atrana Kingdom is a far better man as a father in comparison to most in the world. He was very supportive when I told him that I wished to become a scholar and not do embroidery like other Noble Ladies.
I always felt lucky to have him as my father. I feel that without him I would have been married off already.
"Father, I can help with the paperwork if you want." I offered to help but I already knew what his answer would be.
"It's fine dear, forget that.. I have good news for you." He said pretty enthusiastically. I just wish it isn't anything silly like another marriage proposal.
"What is it? I hope not another marriage proposal." I said since it was weighing on my mind.
"Ho-hoo, No.. But you tell me if you feel like it agreeing. it's not like we have any shortage of proposals." He said jokingly which warmed my heart and I also said playfully, "As if, btw what's the news?"
"Oh right! I almost forgot... Here take this!" He said and took out a letter from his jacket and showed it to me. I went forward and took it from him.
"What is this?" I asked curiously while examining the letter. And that's when I recognized the emblem that was at the back of the letter.
"This is...." I asked to confirm, "Yes Dear, a letter from the Duke of Whitesburg. And it's for you." He said with a smile.
I was surprised to know that the letter was for me and not for my father so I opened it quickly and read it carefully.
After just a few sentences my eyes widened in bewilderment but I also felt very skeptical. So much so that I even doubted whether the letter was genuine or not.
"Is this for real?" I asked, "It seems to be..." My father answered.
"But it doesn't make any sense... Why would the Duke want me to tutor his son when there are much more better options?" I asked full of skepticism.
"Well.. You see dear... There are certain rumors..." He said and told me that certain rumors were spreading in the kingdom saying that every well-known tutor refused to teach the Duke's son. The reason wasn't stated but there were a few speculations.
"Now I see... But..." I hesitated.
"My dear Daughter! Didn't you want this? To create connections with powerful and influential people? I say you shouldn't miss this opportunity." He said as I stared at the letter attentively for a few moments.
I thought about it and found no downsides, as he had said.. It was a great opportunity to make a connection with the Duke. And if I managed to teach his son well then it will automatically prove that I'm better than those other scholars.
"I understand Father... Please make preparations. I will leave as soon as possible." I said, then bowed, and left to make my own preparations.