Leila calmly entered the room with the tray of food on her hands. She had already changed into her maid clothes. Her eyes met Kayo's gaze and with a stiff smile, she made her way beside Kayo's bed.
She quietly prepared the bed table as she neatly placed the aromatic breakfast in front of Kayo. Whilst doing so, Kayo was only focused on the food and had never once glanced at Leila.
This gave Leila a slightly disappointed feeling. Nevertheless, she kept wearing her welcoming smile in front of Kayo who was beginning to eat.
The entire bedroom was quiet and the only sound that could be heard was Kayo's spoon hitting the bowl. Leila wasn't bothered by this silence rather, she was surprised to see Kayo's reserved manners.
' I thought he was a savage? According to the other servants including my teacher, This person in front of me was quite rude and arrogant. '
She began to remember all the bad rumors going around the Wynett Manor as their bad impression of Kayo became worse and worse. This was partly because of Isaac's supporters and Isaac himself, being the instigator of the rumors.
His parents also seemed to have a hand in spreading those rumors. Leila felt even more hatred towards Isaac and his family as they circulated those false rumors inside the Wynett manor.
Far from the rumors, this child in front of her was well mannered and was quite serene. Her thoughts had been cut off by Kayo whom finally spoke to her.
" Name? "
" ...Leila. "
" Leila, Do I have any schedule or something like that? "
" Young master has yet to receive his class schedule which would be decided by Master Gerfast. Until then, Young master Kayo is free to do anything. "
" If that's the case then do you know where's the library at? "
Leila looked towards Kayo in surprise as he mentioned the library.
" I do, in fact, I'm a frequent visitor to that place. "
" ...Then that means you know how to read and write? "
" Yes, indeed Young master. "
As Kayo wiped his mouth with a napkin. He then began to drink tea served by Leila. Kayo was surprised at the taste of the tea which brought a fresh taste of citrus and sweetness. Though Kayo had tasted something similar in Earth, This one here was much more flavourful.
Leila was delighted to see Kayo's pleased expression as he drank more of the tea she prepared.
" Did you like the taste of the tea, Young master? "
" Mhmm, make me some more later. "
" Will do. "
After Kayo drank the last remains inside the tea cup, Leila put away the bed table and retrieved the used utensils. After cleaning out everything, she handed them all to a servant outside and returned to Kayo's side.
" When shall we go, young master? "
" Right now. "
Kayo stood up and changed clothes by himself. As he was doing so, he was once again irritated by his long hair.
" Can you cut this off? " Asked Kayo with an annoyed look as he held his hair.
" Unfortunately not, young master. If you would like, I could call for a proper hairdresser to cut your hair for you. "
" And when can you do that? "
" As soon as I can get the permission from Master Gerfast. "
" Ha? Why do I need permission from him to cut my hair? What is he, my mother or something? "
" ... "
Kayo rolled his eyes and decided to dismiss the issue. Leila went outside the room and waited for Kayo to change. After changing into a plain long sleeve blouse and a black shorts, he opened the door towards the hallways.
Leila was dazed by Kayo's prince-like appearance. Just by changing into the clothes of proper nobles, Kayo's appeal became similar to a royal prince.
Though he still had that unruly demeanor, he still was without a doubt, one of the most attractive children that ever existed. His soft white skin and his soft plump cheeks that had slightly recovered from malnutrition.
Long eyelashes and sword-like eyebrows. Leila could not help but admire Kayo who was standing in front of her.
" Hey? "
" ...Oh, uhm... what is it, Young master? "
" I said lead the way. "
" Yes, of course. "
One the way there, Leila talked about the directions inside the manor in a similar way a travel agent introduces landmarks to tourists. It eas quite entertaining for Kayo to see a little girl properly act like one.
Seeing Kayo pleased with her explanations, she was motivated even further to provide informations about the house. Throughout their walk, Kayo patiently listened to Leila who on the other hand, boasted more about the Manor. Soon, They passed through a large courtyard of the manor wherein it had a beautiful hanging garden.
Vines with purple lotus flowers hanged from the wood fences of the courtyard and the leaves acted as a roof, sun beams passed through some gaps, giving the courtyard a more natural feeling. The ground was filled with moss-like grass and there were properly designed stones in which acted as the pathway.
On the middle of the courtyard was a large marble table with magnificently florished steel chairs. There was a small pond near the table and the chairs were placed in a way that it had a full view of the small pond.
Kayo could not help but admire the natural taste of the courtyard and was rather surprised that it wasn't being used. What's more is that it had a pleasant petrichor smell that calmed Kayo's nerves.
Seeing Kayo's interest towards the Courtyard, Leila began to speak about it.
" That courtyard was designed by Master Gerfast himself. He said that he was inspired by a similar view back when he was staying in a forest along with his camp.
Beautiful as it is, not many came to visit and use it since most people here were raised from a higher class from commoners. The only visitor of this place was Master Leo whom seemed to share Master Gerfast's taste.
Young misses Eve and Elianor would sometimes visit here as well. However, they would only visit it in rememberance of their father, not for the sentimental taste that Master Gerfast built it for. "
" Is that so... "
Leila nodded in agreement as she too felt bad that such a beautiful place was rarely used.
' Wait a second, you're telling me that this was built by that old man? '
" So wait... the sculptures and art pieces that were placed in the hallways and the lounging area... they were purchased by him? "
" By him, Young Master means Master Gerfast then yes. However, most of them were actually created by him rather than purchased. "
Kayo was once again shocked as his initial impression of Gerfast was way off than his actual personality.
" So, that old man's quite the romantic artist, huh. Who would've known... "
Leila smiled as she agreed with Kayo's sentiment, " Everyone thought so too, the demeanor Master Gerfast shows is quite different from his actual hobbies.
It was said that he began to indulge in his artistic hobbies after he had returned victorious from the war. The entirety of the kingdom was surprised by Master Gerfast's talents in arts and crafts that even prominent artists and scholars had acknowledged. "
After passing through the courtyard, Kayo and Leila reached the hallway wherein the Library was located.
" By this time, I think we'll most likely meet Lady Eve whom also spends most of her free time in the library. "
" Eve? Oh, the older one. "
Leila was slightly vexed by Kayo's non-chalant attitude towards her close friend.
" ....Yes. Actually, I admire her as a person. Having lost both of her parents at a young age, she still continues to study diligently while also remaining to excel in both academical and physical studies.
However, I do worry about her as her friend. The pressure she receives from both the young prodigy and Master Eustice is extremely heavy. Sometimes, I would see her pushing herself in order to meet her own study quota and still attend her classes the next day.
Seriously though... Lady Eve needs to- "
Leila then stopped herself as she remembered who she was talking to.
' W-what am I doing? Why am I complaining to him? In the first place, isn't it rude to talk about another person behind their back?
How careless of me... But since he wasn't saying anything, I felt like I could talk about it.
...Why is that so? When have I ever became such a blabber mouth? Maybe it was because he was attentively listening to my explanations that I couldn't help but be motivated to explain more. '
She glanced at Kayo who was beside her, looking towards the end of the hallway where the door of the Library was located.
' Phew... Luckily, it seems that he did not mind my rude manners... '
If she was heard by anybody else, she would've been most likely punished. Especially by her teacher. Luckily for her, they had already arrived at the door towards the library.
It wasn't anything grand, simple spruce wood door that had an antique design. Leila opened the way for Kayo and what met them was a room filled with books.
It was a small room, smaller than Kayo's bedroom. The walls were covered with book shelves that were filled with different kinds of books.
Directly adjacent to the door of the library, was a window that was placed in the middle of the wall. It was large enough so that fresh breeze of the air may enter. In front of the window was a rectangular table with four comfortable chairs.
Sunlight shone through the window allowing the particles of dust to be seen through the air. The furthest chair to the left was occupied by someone. It was a little girl, seemingly about as old if not, a little older than Kayo. She had silver hair that measured to her waist. She wore a simple long sleeved navy blue dress that covered her all the way to her knees.
She had a cold glare and an expressionless face. Nevertheless, it enchances her charm as she had a cold and refined demeanor. Snow white skin, small nose and mouth, she was by all means, an adorable and beautiful child. She was like the untouchable moon, so beautiful yet so desolate.
Her eyes glanced towards Kayo and Leila's direction before going back to the book she was reading. Leila had an awkward smile as she and Kayo entered the small library.
" Grab picture books as well as the alphabet and number charts. "
" ..Will do. "
Although Kayo and Leila's voices were soft, it was the only sound that could be heard in the quiet and small library. Kayo took the seat furthest to the right side of the table which was in the opposite side of Eve.
Kayo rested his head to his right hand as he lazily slouched forward the table and boredly stared at Eve's face. Eve on the other hand, wasn't bothered at all. In fact, she acted as if she hadn't even notice that Kayo was sitting in front of her.
After a few minutes, Kayo's eyes then moved across the small library as if he was looking for something. As he did so, Leila arrived in front of him, carrying several thin books. She then separated them into two groups
" This young master, is the reference books for the alphabets and numbers. It contains several pictures as well as phonics. While these ones here are for mathematics.
Shall I teach young master how to read and write? If so, I will need to get some materials necessary for writing but they are on another room. Shall I also make the tea you would like on the way back? "
Kayo looked at Leila who still wore her business smile on.
" Go. "
" I will be return in a moment. "
As Leila left the room, Kayo first picked up the reference books for alphabets and numbers. When he opened the book, it did contain pictures as well as phonics that made it easier to read.
' Because of the boy's memories, I can vaguely tell how a letter is pronounced but most of them are completely unknown to me.
They have 29 letters and while they do have similar sounds as english alphabetical letters, their characters are completely different. '
As Kayo was busy memorizing the letters, Eve had finally done reading and analyzing a chapter of her subject. She moaned as she stretched her arms upwards with her chest arching forward.
It was then that she finally had an awareness of her surroundings. She was surprised to see a little boy in front of her. Though she thought of him as little, he was in fact, only younger by a year.
What surprised her the most was the change of air around Kayo simply because he wore a proper noble clothing.
" You done yet? "
Kayo suddenly spoke as he remained looking at the book he was reading. After Kayo informally addressed Eve, she then remembered the events of last night.
Just remembering his arrogant attitude that's similar to another person that she hated, made her slightly tremble in anger. She did not hesitate to decline immediately even before she heard what Kayo had to say.
To her, people like Kayo and Isaac weren't worth listening to. She abhorred those nobles who were arrogant and haughty.
" I'm afraid I canno- "
However, before she could finish her sentence, she was cut off by Kayo who pointed a letter on the book he was reading and showed it to her.
" How do you say this? "
Having spent a long time with Isaac, Eve had her fair experience of arrogance and haughtiness however, as rude as Isaac was at least he would learn to properly conduct himself especially towards a lady like her.
This child in front of her however, was completely different. It's as if in his eyes, the world revolves around him. Kayo was met with a silent glare from Eve.
After some time, not one of them made a move before Kayo sighed out loud and had a disappointed look on his face.
" And here I thought you were the studious type, my mistake then. "
He then motioned his shoulders and arms as if to say ' It can't be helped. ' and returned back to memorizing the characters of the alphabet.
Eve's eye involuntarily twitched as she was thoroughly vexed by Kayo's attitude. What infuriated her further was his gesture earlier, as if to spite her for her incompetence.
' He really is hateful.... '