I looked at the two, who were both nodding their heads at me, and sighed. "So this huge estate is now mine?"
Both the princess and prince nodded their heads like baby chicks at my question. "So if I were to tear it down and put up tents for everyone to live in, it would be okay?"
Once again, their heads nodded up and down. But I could have sworn I saw their eyebrows twitch. Well, not like I am really complaining. It was just unexpected, is all. I let out a sigh as I turned back around and gave Jeeves a slight bow. "I apologize for my rude behavior just now."
"Young Miss does not need to worry about this old man. I took no offense. I am sure the incompetence of the princess and prince who did not think to explain things clearly is at fault here." Ouch! Jeeves really slapped the two of them in the face. But this did tell me one thing….
"Just so I am clear here but do you by chance know the two of them well?" I asked.
"I was in charge of their care when they were younger. I have now resigned from the palace once I heard this position was opening up. I wished to work under someone who is so willing to help the people. I have heard many good things about you, Young Miss." It was not that I was ignoring how Jeeves went from calling me Miss Faith Cryilia to Young Miss. I had kind of figured it would happen since that is what Annie and the others call me. But the way he talked to me seemed slightly different, as if I had gained his approval just now.
"I see. Then I will be in your care from now on. If you need to, you can spank both of them if they do anything that angers you. They are…." I paused and turned to look at the prince and prince with a big smile. "Under my care after all….."
"Faith, I don't like the sounds of your words! Why does it sound like you will treat us horribly!?" Adel cried out in a panic while I was laughing on the inside. I was finding this fun since I had never seen Adel like this.
"Don't worry, Princess Adel, we will make sure to take very good care of you. Now, if you can just place your bags by the tree over there, we will be sure to send out some rope and a sheet so you can make some tents. As for how to prop them up…. Well, I am sure you will figure it out. Now then, if you will excuse me…." I turned and walked over to Jeeves, who smiled and led the way into the house, ignoring the prince and princess as if they were not even there. But I only got two steps towards the door when Adel ran up to me and grabbed my arm:
"Faith, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hide it from you. We were going to surprise you, I swear! Can you please let me off this one time? Can you go back to calling me just Adel?" I turned and looked at the eyes that were brimming with tears, and my heart dropped. I forgot Adel was someone who did not have true friends. Only Sophie and I could be considered as such. And here I was treating her as a stranger….
I reached up and wiped the tear that was threatening to fall from Adel's eyes and sighed. "Sorry, my joke went a little too far. Don't cry, Adel."
"Mmm….." Adel nodded while pouting.
"Let's go in and choose rooms. We can then have lunch before I get to work dealing with the estate's protection systems." I announced before grabbing Adel's hand and pulling her along. I know I shouldn't gab her hand like this as it might make Adel have other thoughts, but I did not wish to treat her any differently than before. Plus, I just almost made her cry which was not nice of me either.
"Ummm…." Another voice sounded out, stopping me once again. I turned to see Prince Lance still standing in the doorway, causing me to chuckle. "You can come in as well. You can choose a room after us girls."
"Right! Thanks!" Prince Lance put on a silly smile as he walked in and looked around. Sadly I couldn't help but think his actions just now were kind of cute. But that is it, only cute, nothing more.
The inside of the estate was not lavishly decorated, which made me feel at ease. While it still was furnished with high quality furnishings, they were not over the top and very normal. I can only think that Adel had a hand in the decor of the estate. "You decided on this?"
"Yep! Do you like it?" Adel suddenly perked up at my question. I could hear the pride in her voice.
"That I do. Not overly lavish, but not plain either. It suits my taste very much. Thank you. But this still must have cost a lot though, right?" I asked.
"Well, the estate was actually one of my father's old estates from before he became king. It was just sitting here collecting dust, so he decided to award it to you. In truth, this was supposed to be a thank you gift from not only me but my brother, father, and my mother, the queen. Faith, I do not think you understand the accomplishments that you have gained so far.
"You have many merits already stacked up waiting for you to graduate from the academy. Not to mention that there are many nobles who would fight against you becoming a noble yourself at this time. To keep the courts quiet for the time being while we flush out as many of the bad eggs as we can, many things need to be put on hold concerning you." Adel explained.
"I see. Well, it is not like I am in a hurry to become a noble. Although it would secure my future and is one of my goals, but I still have a lot to do and a lot to achieve as well. Plus, the things I have been doing are not to gain merits but to help those who I want to help."
