Chapter 99.1

Late at night, the sudden downpour ceased. A refres.h.i.+ng rain that seemed to wash away all the noise. Nervous chatter of women returning from their mid-picnic persisted late into the night, as rainwater dripped down from the colorful umbrellas that had yet to dry.

As the morning dawned, clean and blemish-free sunlight filled the room. Lia followed the light with her eyes, in silence. She noticed the strong arms wrapped around her body, the dark shadow cast on her sunken cheeks, and the velvety soft skin.

Her gaze then s.h.i.+fted to his sophisticated chest and delicately toned abs, as if they had been sculpted with the soul of an artist. Her gaze trailed down his majestic silhouette, finally resting on the thigh that had pressed against hers all night, leaving a reddish mark on her skin.

Embarra.s.sed, Lia blushed and closed her eyes tightly.

Time to get up, its morning.

Usually, they slept in the same bed in the capital, but since coming to Del Casa, they tried to sleep separately as much as possible. For some reason, it seemed necessary. However, this time, they had been together since the rain started during the day until now. They didnt even have time to greet Jasmine, who came back drenched in rain, or eat the meal Pepe brought, because of Claude, who didnt want to leave.

Lia attempted to extricate herself from Claudes embrace, antic.i.p.ating Pepes arrival to wake them up. As she struggled to disentangle herself from his arms, Claudes hand slipped naturally through her hair and his voice broke the silence.

Where are you off to?

He stretched out his arms and drew her towards him. Lia, losing her balance, tumbled back into bed.

He smiled wickedly, holding her pet.i.te body in his arms, and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Stay here, he murmured.

I have to go to the convent today. It would be a problem if Im late, Lia protested.

Claudes eyelids lifted at her simple explanation. He gazed at her silently, his hand moving along the curves of her body.

Lia tried to endure the ticklish sensation, tensing her body. Every time she flinched, a throbbing sensation emanated from her lower abdomen. Claude, observing her struggling, raised the corner of his mouth and kissed her forehead.

Do you like teaching at the convent? he asked.

He kissed her forehead and then descended to her nose, nibbling her upper lip.

The children have just learned all their letters. They can now read newspapers, and everyone is astonished.

Is it all thanks to Teacher Canillia?

Was it embarra.s.sing to hear the t.i.tle teacher p.r.o.nounced in such a way?

Canillia bit her lip in embarra.s.sment, meeting his gaze. His warm lips grazed her neck, just below her jawline. Her milky white skin flushed crimson, and even the slightest stimulation sent her temperature soaring.

The children are intelligent. And teaching them is also very fulfilling. Claude, please stop. Canillia held onto the mans face as he continued to move down, leaving a trail of saliva and biting into her soft skin.

How about teaching me? He whispered teasingly.

What do you mean?

I still have a lot to learn. He grinned mischievously as he licked around her belly b.u.t.ton.

Canillia gasped in surprise before breaking out into laughter. Normally, they would have been interrupted by a knock on the door, but not this time. Pepe had left them undisturbed and Canillia was now breathless, as if she had just run a marathon.

Claudes fingers pressed into her mouth to stifle her moans, but she bit down hard on his finger in an attempt to contain her pleasure. With every blink of her eyes, the light reflecting off the ceiling s.h.i.+fted.

Teach me.

Claude quickly moved up and kissed her deeply, urging her with a husky voice.

Quickly.

***

Lia raced to the convent, barely making it on time that afternoon. As she flipped through the pages of her books, the nuns exclamations of admiration grew louder and louder. Lia stood before the impressed nuns and a group of sponsors with a bewildered expression, spreading out her books for them to see.

Her creations were only bound by leather straps to make them look presentable, lacking proper binding. Lias heart raced at the thought of adults, rather than children, perusing what could hardly be considered a book.

Truly impressive, Miss Canillia, said the Mother Superior, praising her and seizing her hand. Lets publish it officially. There are test preparation books for adults, but Ive never seen a book made for childrens education like this.

Lia felt hesitant. Isnt it lacking to be published? There are still some messy parts.

No, its not, the Mother Superior replied with conviction. Ive been keeping an eye on you, Miss Canillia. You have a deep understanding of children and possess the qualities of a great teacher. Ill ask Mrs. Ihar to create an educational book.

As the others nodded in agreement, Lia examined her creations one by one. Although they still looked amateurish to her, she felt a sense of pride knowing that they were useful to the children.

Despite feeling embarra.s.sed, Lia was pleased with herself as she accomplished something bit by bit. Moreover, that day marked the confirmation of the exam date.

The exam was looming, only six weeks away, and it would be held in front of the main library in the central park. Admission tickets had been dispatched to the aristocrats mansions, and Viscount Faylot had personally delivered the news during his visit to the convent.

Then Ill think of more diverse ways. There are many things that need to be fixed, Lia said, feeling uneasy.

Okay, lets do that. I have high expectations, Miss Canilia, the Viscount replied.

Lia hurried to leave, but the children playing in the park rushed towards her and hugged her skirt. Four days later, Ray and Sage were adopted and taken to the capital city. Perhaps because of that, the sweet smell of cake lingered around the children who ate more sweets than usual that day.

Lia hugged the children tightly, knowing this might be their last meeting. Lets meet again. Alright?

When you become a princess, youll come to the capital, right?

Im not a princess, but if we meet again in the capital, Ill introduce you to a real princess.

After bidding a reluctant farewell to the happy children, Lia gathered her belongings and left the convent. She got into the waiting car and asked the driver if he could stop at the art supply store nearby.

I need to buy some things. Will you wait for me? she asked.

Its okay, Ill come with you. It might be heavy, replied the driver.

Thank you, Lia said with a smile.

The next day, the rain had stopped, and the bright sunlight was making her squint. Lia quickly unpacked her parasol.

As she strolled through the bustling streets of Del Casas city center, Canillia couldnt help but feel a sense of wonder at the luxurious surroundings. The shops lining the road were filled with clothes that seemed to grow lighter as the weather warmed up. The maidservants of n.o.ble ladies crowded around the dressing rooms, eager to purchase newly imported lace.