Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"What? You want to go to Crystal Glare?"
Paul was taken aback. He had just sat down in his office when Betty, the education supervisor, came to him with an unexpected request—she wanted to visit Crystal Glare.
"Uh... Yes, Paul."
Eileen's tone was somewhat anxious; she seemed a bit embarrassed. "I know my current work is... quite important, but I really need to go to Crystal Glare."
Paul asked, "Is it because of that letter from Crystal Glare? Did your relatives in the capital ask you to come?"
Eileen nodded slightly.
"Alright. How long will it take for you to go and come back, including the time you'll spend with your relatives?"
"Well..."
Eileen hesitated, unsure if she could even return from Crystal Glare. Even if she could escape, her personal feelings were complex—she had initially left home to avoid her father's forced arrangements. If her mother wasn't lying to her, the initial reason for her departure no longer existed. She had only intended to "temporarily stay" in the Northwest Bay.
Although she enjoyed her "career" here...
"About a month and a half," she said offhandedly. She couldn't tell the earl yet about her true feelings; what if he wouldn't let her go?
"Alright, I'll give you a month and a half off then. Ah, it's quite a long time, and I'll really miss you."
Paul was somewhat reluctant. After controlling such a large area of Emden, he still had plans to build several new schools and needed to quickly instil the next generation of Emden with the correct values... er, I mean, quickly cultivate the next generation.
Without Betty, the plans would have to be delayed.
"By the way, Paul... I recommend that Lady Ladia take over my position while I'm gone."
Though she had to leave, Eileen was unwilling to let go of her "civilizing" mission in the Northwest Bay.
A year and a half ago, the Northwest Bay was still a place with widespread illiteracy and ignorance. There was only a makeshift school set up by the local lord. Now, it could be said that it had blossomed significantly. Eileen believed she had contributed greatly to this progress and was dedicated to continuing her work.
Although she had to leave, she wanted her work to continue, and thus, she chose the most trustworthy person, Ladia Setia.
"I accept your recommendation. After all, you and Ladia are the most educated individuals in my territory."
Hearing a new term, Eileen asked curiously, "Educated? What does that mean?"
Paul shrugged, "It's about a person's level of education. Both you and Ladia are genuine scholars, and you even studied at the Scholar's Tower."
"That's true." Paul's words made Eileen feel a bit proud but quickly turned into guilt. Should she be honest with him? I... I might not come back.
After all, the person before her had entrusted her with such an important role. Many had opposed her taking responsibility for education, but Paul had supported her despite the pressure. He trusted her so much.
Shouldn't she be honest about potentially not returning?
"Paul..."
"What?"
"Never mind. I'll head back now. I need to hand over the work to Ladia."
Eileen shook her head and decided not to speak her mind.
"Alright, take care."
Eileen turned and walked out, pausing at the door to ask, "I plan to take the new merchant ship south by sea. What do you think?"
"I think it's fine. It has been in operation for a while without any accidents."
"Okay, thanks."
Eileen turned, closed the door, and left the office.
Paul lowered his head and continued handling the pile of documents on his desk.
Just as he finished reading a report, the office door suddenly swung open.
"Hmm? Who is it this time?"
It was Betty again, her beautiful figure reappearing in the doorway.
"Betty, is there something else?"
"I... I just wanted to say..."
Eileen stammered, "I promise I will come back."
She had made up her mind to return to the Northwest Bay eventually, though it might not be in a month or even in her current capacity.
This time, Paul was somewhat puzzled. Her tone sounded almost like a farewell.
Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, and the room fell into an uncomfortable silence.
After a long pause, Paul stood up, walked up to Eileen, looked into her eyes, and gently asked, "Is this visit to your relatives really unavoidable?"
Eileen nodded.
"Is there any difficulty? I mean, are there any potential problems you might encounter on the way?"
Eileen shook her head.
"Alright." Paul nodded. "Think carefully before you leave. If you need any help, just let me know."
Eileen lowered her head, "Hmm, thank you."
Paul smiled, "I believe what you said. Even though someone else will take over your position, I'll keep it reserved for you. Relax and enjoy your trip to Crystal Glare."
"Yes..." Hearing Paul's words and their eye contact, Eileen's face suddenly flushed, and she felt a confusing surge of emotions.
"Thank you." After saying this, Eileen left without looking back.
...
Three days later, Paul, along with Ladia, saw off Eileen and Lydia. He arranged a carriage to take them to Frand Port, where they would then board a merchant ship to head south.
After waving goodbye, Eileen watched the town of Alden Town gradually fade from view, along with Paul and Ladia still looking at them, and she felt a sudden pang of reluctance.
Was it because of work? She had already handed over everything, and Ladia's capabilities were sufficient to handle the job. If she stayed away for a long time, Paul would probably officially assign her to the role.
Was it the friendship with Ladia Setia? Indeed, she was the closest person to her in the Northwest Bay besides the guard Lydia. Parting was hard, but she had given Ladia one of the communication methods from Crystal Glare. They could still exchange letters, and Ladia could find her through this address, though she would surely be surprised when they met again.
Then, was there something else?
Yes, there was definitely something more.
As the carriage disappeared from view, Ladia asked Paul, "Aren't you going to try to keep her here?"
"Keep her here? What do you mean? She's just taking a month and a half off to visit relatives in the capital!"
Ladia's words stirred up a sense of unease in Paul, making him suddenly anxious, though he didn't want to dwell on it further.
Ladia frowned, "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Stop it!" Paul interrupted her. "Betty isn't my servant. What authority do I have to stop her from visiting her relatives?"
"Alright. I hope my concern is unnecessary."
Ladia fell silent. Sigh. The girl who left home in such an unusual way had arrived in the Northwest Bay. Perhaps... maybe... or rather, she was always meant to return to where she belonged.
(End of the Chapter)
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