The Beast That Licks Me - Chapter 4.4

“Yes. As you can see, although she’s my daughter, she’s very different from me. You won’t find it uncomfortable to teach her.”

Jepi watched Rosette carefully, perhaps fearing she might refuse. This was clearly a good opportunity, but Rosette was a bit puzzled.

“May I ask why you want to hire me?”

“Well, I saw you at the restaurant before…”

Jepi shyly began her story. Rosette’s cheeks turned bright red as she listened to Jepi’s explanation.

The story went like this. Jepi, who was dining with her daughter at the restaurant, became greatly interested when she heard that Rosette had married off her student to a family with a sapphire mine.

The reason she wanted education despite Rosette’s unclear background was partly because Rosette’s dining etiquette was so impeccable, but also because the Eint couple were originally commoners.

The Eint couple were born and raised together in a rural village. Jepi was such a rare beauty that people would come from neighboring villages just to see her. The lord of the manor also coveted Jepi. Before she even came of age, an offer came for her to become the lord’s concubine. The lord was five years older than Jepi’s father. At this rate, a wedding date would have been set. Jepi and her husband, who had grown up together and loved each other since childhood, fled to the capital on a rainy night.

The two found employment with a merchant guild. Jepi did office work, while her husband went to sea. After being separated for years since their honeymoon, her husband amassed enormous wealth through the spice trade.

Their daughter was born in stable circumstances. She was a child so beautiful it hurt to look at her. The couple became afraid that their child might end up living the same life as Jepi. They wanted to give their child a good social status. So they bought a family name from a fallen noble family for almost their entire fortune. A title in name only, without any territory. However, the noble status gave the couple a certain solid belief. The belief that their child would not have to enter an unwanted marriage, like becoming a lord’s concubine.

Although their business continued to thrive and they accumulated much wealth, problems arose as their daughter grew up. It was difficult to find someone to teach the child. Tutors cared not only about their own honor but also about the honor of their students. They were reluctant to teach the child of those who had bought their family name with money. So the couple had no choice but to teach their child at home. The problem was that Silvia was too intelligent. Having only received a basic education themselves while focusing on making money, they lacked the knowledge to teach. This became more apparent as the child grew. It was in this situation that Rosette appeared.

“…that’s how it happened.”

Rosette, who had been listening intently to Jepi’s chronicle, belatedly startled and asked.

“But is it alright to tell me such important stories…?”

“It’s fine. I don’t go to social gatherings anyway since I have no friends.”

Jepi said with a bitter smile. I tried, but it didn’t work out well. Rosette felt a little heartache, thinking that Jepi must have made considerable effort.

Buying a family name and having money doesn’t make one a noble. Nobles valued class. If Rosette had been living in high society, she might have refused to teach Silvia. However, Rosette had lived only within her home and treated the servants she interacted with daily like family. Thanks to this, she had developed an ironic personality that was thoroughly aristocratic in speech and behavior but not particularly aristocratic in dealing with people. Crucially, Jepi had a lot of money, and Rosette needed money.

“What would you like me to focus on teaching, madam?”

“Well… everything. I would like our Silvia to observe and learn all aspects of Rose.”

Even when she said everything… While Rosette was feeling perplexed, Silvia, who had been as quiet as if her mouth were glued shut, opened her mouth for the first time.

“Mother wants me to learn noble habits so I can marry a nobleman.”

“Silvia.”

Jepi blushed with embarrassment.

“That’s right. To be completely honest, I want my daughter to marry well. Isn’t it a parent’s heart to want their child to marry someone well-educated from a good family and live well?”

“I understand.”

Rosette answered with a bitter smile. It was because she thought of Sarhen.

“For that, she needs to learn from a good person, right? I thought Rose was such a person.”

“You flatter me.”

“Not at all. Rose, I heard you saved someone from the sea?”

At this unexpected remark, Rosette opened her eyes wide. Jepi knew that Rosette had saved Yvonne. It seemed Silvia had told her.

“Well, I did jump into the sea… but I wasn’t the one who saved her. I’m not a good swimmer.”

“My goodness, you jumped into the sea despite not knowing how to swim? That’s truly admirable.”

Jepi had a face like a dreaming girl. Rosette was caught in a strange feeling as she glimpsed herself in Jepi’s profile.

“Isn’t that true noblesse oblige? It would be a great honor if someone like you would teach our Silvia.”

“Thank you, madam. But I might be different from the teacher you’re looking for. I have almost no experience teaching children.”

“B-but…”

Thinking Rosette was refusing, Jepi’s expression darkened.

“So, how about we have a trial period of about a week? If it’s still good after that, we can continue until we disembark from the ship.”

“I already like Rose so much. Couldn’t you stay with us even after we leave the ship?”

Jepi said with sparkling eyes. Such unconditional fondness was new to Rosette, who smiled awkwardly and said.

“I think I’ll need to think about that.”

“Mom, you’re making the teacher uncomfortable.”

“Oh my, I’m sorry. This is how I am. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t adapt well to high society. But I don’t want my daughter to be like that…”

Jepi scratched the back of her head and smiled sheepishly. Despite her clumsiness and openness, there was a glimpse of maturity in the way she freely revealed her weaknesses. Rosette thought that while Jepi’s personality might not fit into high society, it was charming. Because she didn’t calculate or judge, conversations with her were comfortable and enjoyable.

“Then, how about this amount for a weekly salary, based on three sessions a week, two hours each?”

Jepi whispered softly in Rosette’s ear. Surprise spread across Rosette’s face. Rosette took Jepi’s hand and said resolutely.

“Thank you. I look forward to working with you this week.”

At Rosette’s words, Jepi laughed out loud. Silvia followed with a gentle smile.

***

“Evan!”

As soon as Evan returned from work, Rosette threw herself into his arms. Despite the sudden embrace, Evan naturally held Rosette, spun her around once, and then let her go.

“Rosette, you’re so excited. What happened?”

“Don’t be surprised, Evan. We’re going to be rich!”

Rosette said, hopping up and down on the bed. While Evan took off his outer clothes and unbuttoned his shirt, Rosette told him about what had happened today.

“That’s really great. You worked hard, Rosette.”

“I know! So, let’s eat something delicious tonight.”

“That won’t work.”

“Huh? Why?”

Surprised that Evan would refuse, Rosette blinked her eyes.

“Today is our last day on this island.” “Yes, that’s right. They’re also having fireworks.” For the past few days, considering how much money people had spent on the island, the merchant association had collected funds to host a farewell party with fireworks. It was a profitable business for them, too, as good memories might bring people back.

“So I made a reservation at a nice restaurant near the beach.”

“Really? For real?”

“Yes, really. So let’s eat something not just good but really delicious, and then watch the fireworks.”

“I love you, Evan!”

Rosette jumped up from the bed and hugged Evan. Evan burst into laughter and embraced her.