The ride back home was awkward, to say the least. The muffled sounds of gravel and dirt getting crushed reverberated in the carriage as the Eckharts stared silently at each other. The children were in another carriage so as to not feel anxious from the expected tension lingering in the Eckhart's carriage. Penelope's mind wandered off as she looked outside of the carriage's window.
The meeting with Chang Nari went off without a hitch. As the duo talked, Penelope found out that she was a little royal from one of the secretive kingdoms, Aisa. Nari has also told Penelope that she wanted to learn skills outside of the norm, things that a noble lady does not necessarily need to learn but is good to know.
Penelope was surprised at first as to why she was able to be the Little Lily's teacher but realised that there were no women in the Imperial Family, other than the Empress of course, but when will she have the time? Besides, Callis- His Highness, The Crown Prince spoke about the Empress with hidden contempt when they were trapped in the cave during the hunting competition. Surely, he had something to do with this arrangement.
A part of the tradition has been implied that if there were no fitting female royals to teach a royal child, the responsibility will be passed on to the female closest to the royal family in terms of status. Which means, Penelope will have to take the responsibility as she is the "princess" of Eorka.
As Penelope thought about her Little Lily with a soft smile, the duke awoke her from her daze and asked, " Uh.. Penelope?" She replied with a hum. "I would like to know, where did you learn Naisa?"
Naisa is the name of one of the mother languages in Aisa. Penelope brought her full attention to the Eckharts, "I'm born and raised there until something happened which led me to Father...".
The men were shocked however, knowing prying more would dampen her mood, the duke changed the topic, "I see... well, uh.. is there anything that you require to help with your teaching to the Girl- ""Father, her name is Nari Chang and she is a princess by right, so please respect her." Penelope interrupted rudely but was right. Usually, Penelope would say the last name first and the first name last, however, the people of Eorka does not really know how the people of Aisa introduce themselves and others. Which is why she had to say the other way round. The young duke attempted to berate her for her lack of decorum but the duke put his hand up and nodded. "I see, I apologise, anything you need for Princess Nari, you may just ask."
Hearing that brought an idea to Penelope. "Father, I do have one request. For now, that is..." Penelope started hesitantly, "Oh? And what is that?" She continued after the duke's question, "May I have permission to occupy one of the kitchens in the manor? It doesn't have to be the main one, as long as it's a kitchen." "That's quite an odd request, Penelope... Are you sure it's not books or a room to teach in?" This time, it was the young duke who questioned Penelope with a narrow look. 'He probably thinks that I'm planning to force her to do unnecessary work! Hmph! As if! I will never force my Little Lily to do things she doesn't want to do!' Penelope thought indignantly. "Yes, I'm sure. I already have the required books to teach her theory and have the things needed for practical purposes."
One of the things no outsiders knew about Nari was that she was already taught the necessary lessons for a noble lady as she grew up in Aisa. The only reason she came here is to observe Eorka as a kingdom while also being taught skills that may not seem necessary for a noble lady. Skills such as the basics of baking, creating inventions and controlling magic. Even though she has been taught etiquette, some may be slightly different in other countries.
Another reason as to why Nari chose Penelope as her teacher was because she has sensed perfectly controlled mana from her. In Eorka, usually, peasants and nobles either have little to no mana and those that do, are brought to one of the imperial magicians' towers to be taught how to control. Even then, their control is not as good as Penelope's.
Nari could sense a person's mana because it is an inherent ability in the Chang Imperial Family along with the turquoise eyes and a metamorphic ability. Their metamorphic ability allows them to change their appearance to whatever they wish. The downside to this ability is that it does not change one's bone structure, as a result, it becomes slightly harder to convince others of their disguise.
Penelope was born as the heir to the grand dukedom. She had inherited the magenta hair from her father's side and the turquoise eyes from her mother's. Her metamorphic ability is slightly different than Princess Nari's.
Chang Nari's ability can withhold it's appearance however long she wants as long as she has enough mana but Penelope's is timed depending on her emotions. Before the possession, Penelope was not able to find a teacher to help her control her emotions. She was born to be highly emotional, which led to the nickname, "Mad Dog". She needed someone to help her, understand her, but she never got the chance as she was faced with the reality of noble society far too soon.
The carriage soon stopped and the Eckharts stepped out. The sight which beheld them was a European-style Mansion with the staff greeting them. The family then turned around and waited for the carriage with their chosen children to arrive. A minute later, the carriage with the children arrived and opened.
"SIYEON-UNNIE" To say the bonded well would be an understatement.