In fact, I didn't expect to be this nervous in front of Elodie. Even I was surprised myself.
...It's only because I met her suddenly.
From now on, if I prepare myself psychologically, I will be fine.
***
Father Dreyfus looked completely shocked when he saw the amount of my donation.
“Duchess, this is... a bit much...”
"Oh my God, was it too little? I'm sorry. This is my first time donating, so I wasn't sure what was the right amount."
"Excuse me? No, quite the opposite. It's too much for a donation."
"Oh, right? Then it's okay. Please accept it without any embarrassment," I said with a gentle smile.
“But, Duchess, as someone who serves the ruler...”
“They are donations to help those in need. The more, the better, right? What a wonderful thing for a library to be established in the orphanage. Then, that former child can read all the books she wants.”
“……”
Father Dreyfus still looked disturbed.
“This is not only my intention, but also my husband’s wish. Please, do not reject Dumont’s honesty.”
Only after I added that did Father Dreyfus nod reluctantly.
“Okay. I will use it gratefully. But from now on, I will only accept your opinion. The amount is too large for a small church like ours.”
“Yes”
After we finished our conversation, we returned to the church where Audrey was waiting for us.
“Should we go see the kids at the orphanage now?”
“Yes, Audrey”
I took a small breath that Audrey didn't notice, and I followed her.
“What kind of volunteer work do you usually do at the orphanage?”
“Well, I usually distribute the snacks we brought...and after that, I read picture books to the younger kids or do embroidery with the girls.”
It was almost what I expected.
Audrey was, after all, a noble woman.
Perhaps she would not have performed tasks more suited to servants.
“What about that kid from before? The priest mentioned that she reads books for adults, so I assume you don’t read picture books to her.”
“Oh, Elodie? Yes, that's right. She mostly learns embroidery with older girls.”
“...I understand”
According to the original story, Elodie was noticeably bad at embroidery.
When she first gifted Ethan a handkerchief she embroidered herself, she described it as being so messy that it was not possible to discern what she had tried to embroider. Her skills did not improve much as she got older.
So she didn't educate herself in the first place... I guess Audrey wasn't responsible for that. Elodie just lacked the necessary talent.
It didn't matter, because he was endearing in his own way.
Despite her lack of progress, Elodie has been giving Ethan her embroideries every year. And Ethan, in turn, appreciated each one of them.
Who cares if you're not good at embroidery? It's not like she needs it to make a living. exactly.
I nodded to myself as I thought about this.
The orphanage was right behind the church.
It wasn't as small or shabby as I had imagined.
“Welcome, Duchess Dumont. I am Miriam, the director of this orphanage.”
Sister Miriam, who looked about the same age as Father Dreyfus, had a pleasant face. Her light green eyes seemed particularly clear.
In the original story, Elodie loved her like a mother.
When it was decided to adopt her, she cried bitterly at the thought of being separated from Miriam.
“Nice to meet you. Please take care of me today.”
“There are still many young children who lack understanding… They may be unintentionally rude to you, Duchess. I hope for your understanding.”
Miriam bowed her head as she spoke.
“That's how kids are. Don't worry, I understand.”
When Miriam heard my words, she let out a slight smile, although she couldn't completely hide her worried expression.
Well, Camille never had a great reputation...
The participation of noble women in volunteer work like this was very rare. For someone of Audrey's stature, it was indeed strange, but for a high-ranking noble like me, it was rare.
So, from Miriam's point of view, it was normal for her not to be completely happy to see me.
She might have expected me to furrow my eyebrows in front of the kids or leave angrily, which would have been the best outcome.
It really made sense.
If the real Camille were here, she might have acted this way.
Or rather, the real Camille never would have come here in the first place.
Miriam took us to a hall-like space inside the orphanage.
Hearing the loud noise from outside, it sounded like they had already gathered the kids there in anticipation of our arrival.
Elodie must be there.
I had been nervous because of the unexpected encounter earlier, but seeing her with the rest of the kids seemed so much easier.
With so many other kids around, peeking in won't attract much attention.
“Calm down!”
Miriam shouted as soon as she entered. It was a strong and firm voice, completely different from her previously gentle tone.
The room immediately fell silent.
There were about fifty children in total.
They range in age from toddlers who look like they are three or four years old to teenagers who are as tall as adults.
All eyes were focused on me, bright and curious. It was great.
“Today, besides Viscountess Granvert, we have another visitor. This is the Duchess Dumont. She has taken time out of her busy schedule to meet with all of you, so be thankful and treat her with respect.”
Miriam looked to the right of the front row of children.
“Bruno, Alice?”
“Yes, Abbess.”
The older boy and girl answered in unison.
“Make sure the little children behave properly so they don’t cause any trouble to the Duchess.”
“Yes.”
I raised my hand, "Excuse me, there's no need to warn them. Audrey told me everything."
When I leaned over and whispered to Miriam, her expression became puzzled.
“But...”
“Really, it's okay. No matter what the kids do, nothing you're worried about will happen, I promise.”
“……”
After I smiled reassuringly at Miriam, I turned to the children.
“Hello everyone. My name is Camille. The long name sister mentioned is a bit complicated, so call me Camille.”
“Duchess...!”
Miriam raised her voice in annoyance.
I winked at her out of the corner of my eye, indicating that everything was fine.
"Now, without further ado, let's distribute the snacks. This is what you've all been waiting for, right?"
When she lifted the basket, the children burst into cheers.
“Everyone, line up, please. No jostling,” Miriam spoke quickly.
The children lined up in two rows in front of me and Audrey.
The first to run towards me was a boy who looked about seven years old.
He smiled broadly with a gap where his front teeth should have been, and held out his hands.
I smiled and handed him a bag full of bread, cake, and candy.
After distributing snacks to everyone, I looked around.
… I am waiting. Where is Elodie?
I made sure to distribute snacks to each child, but Elodie was not among them.
Not only among those who came to my line, but even among those who went to Audrey.
I checked again to make sure, but there was nothing wrong.
No matter what she looked like, based on hair color, eye color, or any other features, there was no one like Elodie.
"Camille? What's wrong?" Audrey asked quietly.
"Hmm? Oh, nothing"
At least I had a brief encounter with Elodie at church earlier.
If it wasn't, I would be even more confused.
I've wondered if my influence on the plot of the original story has affected things so far.
Where did Elodie go? She must have received a book from Father Dreyfus earlier...
Suddenly, something came to my mind.
“Audrey, I will be back shortly. Please take care of the children while I am away.”
"Excuse me? Okay. Where are you going...?"
Without waiting for Audrey to finish her sentence, I left the room.
I immediately ran up the stairs.
After I reached the second floor and headed to the right of the corridor, I saw a staircase leading to the attic. I lifted my skirt and climbed the stairs, carefully pushing the wooden door attached to the ceiling.
The attic was low enough that you could hit your head if you didn't bend down.
I looked around and saw a little girl sitting in front of the window.
She was completely immersed in a large book, as if her nose would touch its pages.