The Beast That Licks Me - Chapter 4.8

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With the continued praise, Silvia’s cheeks turned as red as apples. It was apparent she didn’t know where to look, feeling embarrassed.

“It’s all thanks to the teacher. She always read books steadily, but these days she doesn’t put books down until bedtime. The oil costs are tremendous because of this.”

Though it seemed like she was criticizing the oil costs, it was ultimately praise for her daughter. Jepi was in quite a good mood from the praise of her daughter. This seemed like the perfect time to bring it up. After hesitating, Rosette opened her mouth.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a few days… What do you think about sending Silvia to an academy?”

“What? Our Silvia?”

At this unexpected suggestion, Silvia and Jepi blinked simultaneously. Though they didn’t seem to have many similarities, moments like this showed they were unmistakably mother and daughter, and Rosette barely managed to suppress her rising laughter.

“Yes, the entrance exam is just three months away, so it’s a bit tight, but I think Silvia can do it. She already has the basic education and general knowledge.”

“B-but isn’t the academy a four-year program? That means Silvia would graduate at sixteen, and then her marriageable age…”

Jepi’s voice trailed off. Noble children typically had engagement talks as early as twelve, or at the latest by fourteen, so entering a school that would have her graduate at sixteen was certainly a concern for parents. But Rosette had already thought of a solution for that.

“If you’re worried about Silvia’s marriage, I’d like to mention that the rate of academy alumni marrying each other is quite high.”

“Really? Is that true?”

“Yes, and since they meet as students, they tend to care less about status than those who meet as adults.”

Everything Rosette said was true. Stefan occasionally wrote to her about the situation at the academy, and while most of his letters were about incidents and accidents, he sometimes mentioned romance and marriage.

“Some meet eyes while studying in the school library, and others compete for first and second place, then both work as imperial officials and end up marrying.”

“Oh my, how romantic…”

Jepi clasped her hands together, letting her imagination soar, when suddenly her face darkened.

“But… won’t she be looked down upon for having a title that was purchased with money?”

Jepi asked worriedly. Rosette answered confidently.

“That’s why I’d like to recommend the academy in Enebe. The academy basically prohibits mentioning parents’ titles. Of course, with higher titles, the family name alone might give it away. Foreign nobles have relatively more freedom in that regard.”

“Ah, I see.” “I’ve heard that even academies in Enebe conduct classes in the common language for nobles.”

“Oh my, that’s wonderful.”

Jepi’s reaction was more positive than expected. Rosette smiled triumphantly and added the clincher.

“Moreover, Enebe has a high rate of female social participation, so the academy has a quota for female student admissions. That’s why I believe Silvia can be accepted.”

The academy in Enebe had a quota system for female students. Since daughters of noble families often had private tutors, the number of female students attending the academy was small despite the quota. As a result, there were often unfilled spots during admissions, and over 90% of female applicants were accepted without much difficulty. Who would have thought the information she had gathered for her own academy plans would come in handy like this?

Jepi’s face clearly showed she was contemplating deeply. It was natural to take time considering a matter that would affect her child’s life.

“Of course, what matters most is Silvia’s willingness.”

“Silvia, my dear. What do you think? Would you like to go to the academy and study?”

At Jepi’s question, Silvia looked confused. It was understandable, given that her life path could suddenly change. Rosette decided to give Silvia a little more help.

“Think about it, Silvia. The academy aims to nurture talent, so you’ll have to study much harder than now. Especially subjects like science and mathematics—you’ll need to work hard even if you’re not interested in them to avoid failing.”

Silvia met Rosette’s eyes. Rosette winked at her secretly, out of Jepi’s sight. It was something Silvia had told her before.

“I’ll tell only you, teacher. Actually, my dream is…”

To become a scientist.

Rosette had almost asked why she couldn’t just learn it casually, but then remembered how difficult it had been for Silvia to find teachers. It was hard enough to find someone to teach finishing school lessons, but finding someone to teach science would have been nearly impossible. So Silvia must have given up without telling her parents.

After revealing her secret, Silvia showed Rosette her favorite science magazines, books, and the notebooks where she organized everything. The few books she had were so well-read that the page edges were worn smooth. The notebook was filled with neat handwriting detailing scientific experiments and formulas.

After learning how serious Silvia was about studying science, Rosette had pondered for a long time. Then, not wanting to delay any further, she decided to broach the subject with Jepi in this roundabout way. The opportunity had been given, and now it was time to hear the answer.

After a long hesitation, Silvia took a deep breath. Unlike her usually quiet self, it was such a long and loud breath that both of them could hear it.

“I want to go. If I can go, it would be the greatest fortune of my life.”

A clear answer without hesitation. Looking at Silvia’s resolute profile, Rosette felt a lump in her throat.

“Silvia…”

Jepi looked surprised, perhaps not expecting her daughter to want this so badly. After thinking briefly, she spoke with determination.

“Alright, I’ll send you.”

“What?”

“…Really?”

Jepi was more decisive than expected. Rosette had thought she would take at least a few more days to consider. Could a decision be made this quickly? Seeing their surprised faces, Jepi smiled sheepishly.

“My daughter has always excelled at whatever she did from a young age, but she never said what she wanted to do. Now that she has something she wants this badly, I feel I should support her, whatever it is.”

“I’m really envious…”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just thinking out loud.”

Rosette waved her hands dismissively.

“Oh dear, then how should we study? Do we need to find another teacher? How do I convince her father?”

Despite her quick decision, Jepi was now flustered. Rosette watched her with a faint smile.

“I think I can teach her the basics until we disembark.”

“You, teacher?”

“Yes, believe it or not, I studied for the academy entrance exams for over three years.” Though I never went due to strong opposition.

“Oh my! How fortunate. Meeting you truly was a blessing for us.”

Jepi grabbed Rosette’s hands with sparkling eyes.

“The schedule will be tight, so we’ll need to increase study time significantly. I’ll help as much as I can, but self-study is most important.”

“How many hours would be good?”

“Well, even though there are often unfilled spots, they do check basic skills, so she should study continuously except when sleeping…”

“That much? What if she gets sick?”

Jepi said with wide, startled eyes.

“I’ll be fine.”

Silvia placed her small hand on top of Jepi’s and said.

“I’ll work hard without overdoing it. There’s not much else to do on the ship anyway.”

“Still… you need to take care of your health, darling. If necessary, there’s always next year…”

Jepi reluctantly mentioned next year after much consideration. She seemed worried about marriage-related matters, as delaying entrance would also delay graduation.

“There’s no need to wait until next year. I’ll work hard to pass this year.”

“How could someone so admirable have come from my womb?”

As if unable to contain herself any longer, Jepi pulled Silvia into a hug and kissed her cheek. Silvia calmly accepted the kiss, seemingly resigned. Rosette watched them with a faint smile.

***

After having dinner together and heading back, Rosette walked slowly across the terrace. Taking the terrace instead of the corridor to return to her room took longer, but feeling the night breeze and listening to the sound of waves seemed to bring some peace to her mind. While listening to the waves, Rosette suddenly felt someone’s gaze and turned around.

“Was I imagining it…?”

Rosette tilted her head in confusion. Splash—waves collided with the ship, creating white foam that shattered into pieces. Somehow, a chill ran down her spine. Rosette rubbed her goosebump-covered arms as she descended the stairs.

It was late, but Evan was still out. Rosette locked the door firmly and slumped down on the bed.

“What keeps him so busy…”

Rosette hugged the pillow from Evan’s side of the bed. It still held a faint trace of his scent. Unconsciously following Evan’s smell, she put the pillow down with a gloomy expression.

Could he be avoiding me?

Because I kissed him that time? But he responded. He smiled.

“Maybe he actually found it uncomfortable…”

Words she had been thinking about but couldn’t say out loud. She thought speaking them might bring relief, but rather than dispersing lightly, they weighed heavily on her heart.