*88**
"Losca's house?"
"Yes! “I told my brothers about you before, and they said that if you were interested, you could visit him one day!”
When Evie showed interest, Loska's voice rose excitedly.
“The Lagaselp region is not far from the capital. We have a house in the city too, but I'm going back to the province. There is a huge farm and many farms! On the farm, we have the best horses in the empire. “My father and my brothers love horse riding.”
“Horses?”
“Don't you love her? Are you afraid of her perhaps?
“No, I love it!”
When Evie lived in the barn, she would sneak into the stable next door in the cold winter.
It wasn't an ideal place, with the smell of hay and horse manure filling the air.
But she would approach the calm horses, cling to them, and sleep clinging to them, forgetting the cold for a moment.
She hadn't been near horses in years, so she wondered if visiting Luska's house would allow her to touch them.
“So, would you like to stay at our house all summer vacation? We have many rooms, you can feel as comfortable as you want!”
“Okay, but...”
«Why? Are you going back to your hometown?
“No, I guess I won't go this time.”
At first, I thought about going back. But she had to prepare for the second semester, and there was a lot to study.
In addition, the library was going to be officially opened, the Imperial Palace Museum and many other places she wanted to visit.
*“They said at the academy that they would organize tours of the capital for students who stayed during the holiday.”*
If so, she could explore the capital easily and safely.
Of course, she missed the orphanage.
She wanted to see the friends who shared the room with her, the school director and the other teachers after a long absence.
But the main reason she didn't go was money.
*“They said the carriage fare was expensive.”*
Moreover, if she wants to go out, the home director must accompany her as her guardian.
*“But the orphanage is very busy in the summer.”*
They had to prepare the fields for planting for winter, and with the heat, fabric that needed washing was piling up.
Everyone worked non-stop until sunset. No matter what she thought, they didn't have the time or money in the busy summer.
Evie knew this, so she couldn't ask the home director to come for her.
So, Evie wrote a letter in advance, telling them that she would be staying here during the holiday.
*"I have not mentioned anything about His Majesty the Emperor yet."*
If you write that, the manager will come running back in shock.
While Evie was lost in her thoughts about the orphanage, Irene suddenly hugged her and stared at Luska.
“What is this talk? You agreed with Evie that you would come to our house first, right? The last time we went out, you said we'd go together next time. Evie, remember?
Evie thought, remembering that it had actually happened. Irene was sorry to go out alone,
She promised to take Evie with her next time.
When Evie showed an expression confirming her recollection, Irene smiled triumphantly and waved her hand at Luska.
“So, wait your turn with the stable. I'll take Evie shopping, and we'll go play in the river near the capital. And in Terrence’s family garden, we will have barbecues every night and have fun!”
“Wow, barbecue! It looks delicious. I want to go too!”
“Well...no, don't come!”
«Why? I want to go! Invite me!”
“Why would I?”
When Luska excitedly said he wanted to go because of the barbecue, Irene waved her hand forcefully as if she was dismissing him.
While they were arguing, Evie's gaze met Arcel, who smiled a rare smile with a hint of cunning.
His radiant smile was powerful enough to be devastating.
While Evie was feeling too dazzled to look directly, Arcel spoke in a gentle tone:
“By the way, Evie, wouldn't you be interested in reading the next volume of the travel book we read last time? That entire series is in our home library. Coincidentally, foreign books will arrive during the holiday. If you visit our house, you can read it in due course...”
“So, I…”
Before Evie excitedly shouted “I'm going!” As if enchanted, Irene noticed the trick and quickly caught it, shouting to Arcel:
“What is this interference? This is cheating!”
“Boo, this is malicious, Arcel. Use your charm!
Lusca joined Irene in attacking Arcel. Arcel blinked, wincing, but he didn't stop smiling at Evie.
Eppie's heart was beating hard.
Anywhere you go will be fun. The summer vacation is long.
“Then I'll visit everyone!”
At Evie's answer, there was silence for a moment, then the three nodded and said at the same time:
“But our house would be the most fun, wouldn't it?”
—
The argument continued over who Evie would visit first until they heard a gurgling sound from Evie's stomach, and the argument suddenly stopped.
“We talked about entertainment and we haven't eaten yet.”
The four quickly arranged the table and headed together to the food distribution place.
As usual, they filled their plates with different types of food and started eating enthusiastically.
—
After eating, it was a day when their lessons would be divided, so they dispersed.
Evie, who was left alone, thought about returning to her room.
Once the three who always accompanied her disappeared, people gradually began to approach her.
This scene had been repeated daily ever since Professor Sian was declared Emperor.
Evie deliberately turned her back and started walking quickly.
She knew very well that if someone caught her, she would have to talk for a long time before she could get away.
As she hurried towards the library, Evie met several employees.
They all smiled warmly and greeted her when she saw her.
After the incident with Izerella, there is no longer an employee at the academy who does not know Evie.
It was not limited to employees, but even to professors.
There were those who looked at her with disdain when she entered their classes, and then never looked at her again.
But even they were smiling at her now.
Evie felt strange and afraid of this world that suddenly changed its face.
Before, everyone would show their true thoughts in front of her without hesitation.
They easily abandoned the tact and morals they showed in front of others, and expressed their hatred and contempt without ambiguity.
Evie didn't hate it.
Those who revealed their true faces were safer, because she knew how to watch out for them.
But now, since the Emperor is standing behind her, everyone is wearing thick masks.
It's no longer easy to know if someone hates it or not.
However, Evie had her own way of marking people.
“Aren't you Ebby Alden?”
As she approached the library, the history professor called out to her when he saw her.
Evie bowed her head, and the professor laughed as if he admired her, and stroked her head.
Then he said to the person next to him:
“Maybe you've heard about it. His Majesty the Emperor recently announced that he is the guardian of a female student from the academy. This student is her. “She teaches in my class.”
“Ah, this girl...”
The history professor continued to talk about Effie and the Emperor to his guest.
In the end, Evie spoke first:
“Professor, I think I should go now. I have something to look for.”
The history professor had a look of regret on his face, as if he was losing an accessory.
“Okay, go.”
But he couldn't keep it.
What if this girl met the Emperor later and said something bad about him?
The history professor maintained his smile until the end, and Evie quickly entered the library.
Even in the library, there was no shortage of people approaching. So, she had to find a quiet corner.
As she trudged through the library lobby, Evie saw a familiar face.
“Professor Malles!”
“Evie, you're here.”
Professor Mallis, who was alternately looking at the ceiling and the design diagrams, was accompanied by someone who seemed to be an outside guest, just like the history professor.
When Effie approached, he said to his guest:
“This is the girl I was talking about. The girl who finally made me teach math in a proper way.”
Then Professor Mallis leaned over and looked at Evie's cheeks carefully.
“Oh my God, baby. The swelling has completely gone away. Are you sure there is no pain? "You looked tired during the exams, and I was worried that you hadn't recovered yet."
Hearing his worried tone, Evie smiled brightly.
This is the difference.
People who care about Evie always start by asking about her and her well-being before mentioning the Emperor.
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