The Duke's Passion

"Was this…" I trailed in silence. Were they granted education?

" I remembered Fabian complaining about not telling him you know how to read and write. To appease my dear little butler, I borrowed his lesson plans and gave a free basic education for everyone! No waste, and he didn't nag me anymore. Hehe."

Sam explained in high-spirits. By the sound of it, he was merely trying to appease Fabian. However, the outcome was far greater and beneficial than his actual reasons.

I see… this was what Fabian told me about.

"By the way, I made your previous home a temporary school. I hope you didn't mind. Also…."

Sam's words faded in the background as I watched everyone from the distance. My heart softened, watching everyone listen intently. Even from a distance, I could feel everyone's eagerness to learn.

It made me happy.

Back then, I only shared what my father taught me. My knowledge was limited and teaching the kids had little effect on them.

Meanwhile, the adults didn't have time for such a break. All year round, we work on the farm so we wouldn't starve during winter.

But now, not only children but also the adults — I even recognized Old Olly — studying. Not just that, but the middle-class individuals, especially women, were with them.

Even though I didn't know everything yet, I grasped the entire idea. I could see that everyone was comfortable with each other. It was as if for the first time, I couldn't see the huge border separating and classifying us by classes.

Slowly, I closed my eyes as I took a deep breath. When I opened my eyes, I subtly smiled.

"Shall we join them?" Sam suddenly asked.

I didn't move my gaze away from the people near my shack.

"No." I answered with a slight shake of my head.

"Huh? Why? Don't you want to say your greetings to them?"

Upon his question, I slowly shifted my gaze to him. 

"Because I realized it now, I can't lie to them. I'll end up telling them about everything: about me, about you… about us."

I answered in a low tune. Yet, I made sure it would not displease me. I'm already glad they were doing well.

I'm satisfied to know and see it for myself that the duke had kept his words. Not that I didn't trust him. But seeing it with my own eyes just brought a different, satisfactory feeling.

"Uh… I'm sorry if you had to keep that information private for now." As he looked at me, he sported an apologetic look.

Again, I shook my head lightly. "You don't have to, my lord."

Then I moved my gaze back to the shack. My heart warmed up as everyone raised their hands. As the man teaching them picked one and a girl stood.

I couldn't hear them. But with their action, it seemed they were all eager to answer the question from the teacher.

"There's nothing to apologize for. I'm just glad to see them well. If the adults had time to spare for education, I could tell they didn't have to worry about the harvest or selling their goods." 

I explained, scanning everyone's back. I could feel their ease with studying without worrying about the field.

The only reason we had to work more than anyone was because the price of our crops was too cheap. I don't know the details, but I could tell that our problem had been resolved.

Not just in this area. But only now I noticed that the air in Grimsbanne felt a bit different. The gloomy atmosphere that polluted the air was gone. Instead, it felt like a place where everyone could take a walk to have a breather.

Before, everyone stayed home, especially once dusk approach. Now, even when the sun was about to set, everyone on that hill near my house, weren't rushing home.

"Here, sit here." Sam snapped me back from my thoughts.

He slowly got down, helping me sit properly so to avoid of falling down. My back against the trunk. Unlike me, who had to hold and watch my movements, Sam perched without worry.

His feet dangled down, swinging back and forth. The side of his lips curled into a subtle smile. 

He was looking in the hill's direction. Meanwhile, I darted my eyes from everyone who was now standing to Sam's side.

"Thank you, my lord." I expressed after a long, light silence.

Sam turned his head on me. "For?"

"For fulfilling your promise." I clarified in a soft tone.

"Well," Sam scratched his jaw with his forefinger. "It's not really my intention. I just didn't want Fabian to hold a grudge against me."

Sam murmured, as if he believed he didn't deserve my gratitude. 

"I haven't boasted about how I exterminate a few nobles and beheaded them publicly. You should thank me for that, I think?"

"Huh?" I furrowed my brows, not hearing his mumbling clearly.

"Nothing. I mean, it just feels strange being thanked for doing my obligation." He shrugged. And I could never think of a better argument.

Sam… he was truly a strange man. 

I never heard someone state such claims. If a knight helped a peasant, that peasant would die for him.

Deep down, I had always wondered why we do that? Knights were supposed to help the weak — that's their obligation to the people.

Yet, I realized the knights, the nobles, the monarchy… they were not here for their people. All of them believed the people were for them; to help or abuse, to devour or grant mercy.

"Does it matter, my lord?" I asked, still bearing that subtle smile on my lips. 

"I'm certain everyone who was oppressed for a long time would thank you if they have the chance. But you won't like that, would you?"

"Well, I'm already too popular. I don't want people making a statue for me." Sam's face distorted as if he imagined his situation if he got to face his people.

His reaction made me chuckle. I might not know him completely. But the man I've known so far… I like him. Even if the people would tell me otherwise, I wouldn't believe them unless I see it for myself.

"Anyway," Sam snapped, shaking his outrageous thoughts away.

"Since I think I created a great atmosphere. I think it's time to tell you something… shocking."

I furrowed my brows as I watched him glanced at me. Something shocking?

"You and I…" He trailed off, keeping the suspense.

"You and I?"

After a beat, Sam cleared his throat. 

"We're being summoned to the capital by the King."

***

Lilou -> (O.O)