Chapter 70: Voices from the Past, Steps into the Future
Just then, Eline, who had somehow come over without being noticed, joined the conversation.
Eline was a big woman, both in height and width. Her arms that was rolled up at the sleeves, looked easily twice the size of Shiao Yi’s. Her reddish-brown hair was tied tightly back, and her round face held a kind smile. Her warm, round brown eyes crinkled as she smiled.
Something about her reminded Shiao Yi of a woman who once ran a small bakery in the back alleys of a distant place. During the time when the war had ended and he was on the run from the controlling forces, that baker had hidden him and even given him bread. He hadn’t stayed long, knowing he’d bring trouble if he did. As soon as the search parties disappeared, he left. But he still remembered the woman’s voice calling out behind him: "Take care of your life!"
Even though Eline looked nothing like that baker, there was something about her gentle energy that brought those memories back to Shiao Yi’s heart.
"We’ve served the young master since he was just a little boy," Eline began in a calm, respectful voice. "You may not know, but the young master was completely alone in this mansion from the moment he was born."
She glanced kindly at Shiao Yi as she continued, "His mother left the estate to another residence just after giving birth. She didn’t even nurse him. And from that day on, she never returned here. His father was always away at war, and even when he returned to the royal capital, he’d go off to visit one of his mistresses instead of coming home. So, you see... the young master grew up entirely alone in this estate."
Eline’s warm voice carried both pride and sadness as she explained, "We couldn’t stand to see him like that. So all of us—starting with Jude—decided we would always stay by his side and care for him as best we could."
At that point, Jude gently added, "But even so, we could never be true parents to him."
"Lord Dominic grew up without ever opening his heart to anyone," he said with quiet regret. "He became someone who rarely showed emotion. That’s why we were always worried for him."
Then Jude looked at Shiao Yi with deep emotion in his eyes.
"But now, thanks to you, we’ve seen Lord Dominic truly happy for the first time. And that... that moves me more than words can say."
Jude couldn’t help but shed a tear, his eyes welling up with emotion. Eline, without hesitation, gave his back a few loud, hearty pats with her strong hand. Jude gave a cough in response—was he alright? Shiao Yi glanced at him, slightly worried.
Even Eline wiped her own tears away with the corner of her white apron.
Touched by Jude and Eline’s warm feelings for Dominic, Shiao Yi felt his chest grow tight with emotion. This world was filled with a kind of kindness he had never known before. A deep warmth, a genuine caring that wrapped around him. At that moment, Shiao Yi felt truly happy.
...
The person who arrived to be his tutor was a man named Gaius van Baelsar, he was 55 years old this year. He had once been Dominic’ own teacher, it seemed. Now, though retired from teaching, he spent his time as a scholar doing academic research.
As expected from someone with his experience, his teaching was sharp and efficient. He didn’t waste time. He explained clearly how the letters connected with their pronunciation marks, what spelling patterns to watch for, and the basics of grammar. Once that was understood, it was just a matter of memorizing vocabulary.
"Your ability to learn is truly remarkable," Gaius said with genuine surprise. "I never expected you to pick things up this quickly."
"I was trained to acquire unknown languages," Shiao Yi replied. "It’s nothing special—just part of my background."
Mr. Gaius studied Shiao Yi’s face for a while, as if thinking deeply. Then, after seeming satisfied with what he saw, he gave a thoughtful suggestion.
"Well then, to support your language learning, how about I begin teaching you about this country’s history and how the royal system works? I’ve heard you’re planning to become Lord Dominic’ assistant."
"Yes, please. I don’t know anything about this place yet, so I’d appreciate that a lot."
As part of his writing practice, Shiao Yi began copying down the key points from Gaius’s history lesson onto the chalkboard. If he came across characters he didn’t understand, he looked them up in the dictionary or asked him for help. While watching him work, he tilted his head in curiosity.
"Shiao Yi, the style of your writing... it looks like the font used in the Thalvian Dictionary, doesn’t it?"
"Yes, I’ve been using that dictionary as my writing reference while practicing."
"You’re not going to develop your own handwriting style?"
"My own style?" Shiao Yi asked, puzzled.
"Yes, that’s right. All nobles have their own personal handwriting style. Even among commoners, those who are educated usually develop their own style," Mr. Gaius explained. "For example, this is mine."
He smoothly wrote the same sentence Shiao Yi had just written, right beneath it. Gaius’s handwriting was more elegant than the dictionary style, yet not overly ornate. It was serious and honest—very much like the man himself. The decorative elements were different from the dictionary’s font, but the characters were still easy to read.
"Everyone here has their own way of writing, so even without seeing a signature, people can recognize who wrote something just by looking at the handwriting."
"Then... Dominic must have his own handwriting too. Do you know what his writing looks like?"
"It would be better if Lord Dominic showed you himself," Gaius replied, smiling gently.
Shiao Yi couldn’t help wondering how much Dominic had told Gaius about their relationship. Knowing Dominic, he might have calmly told him that Shiao Yi was his partner, without any hesitation.