Sefina watched Ellaria waiting quietly by the door. On that calm face, a rare hint of nervousness surfaced.
She softened her tone and asked gently,
“Ellaria, what’s wrong? Is there something you need?”
Ellaria’s fingers unconsciously twisted the tassels of her scarf. Her emerald eyes lifted to look at Sefina, then quickly dropped, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
She seemed to want to say something, her lips moving, but no clear sound came out. She appeared very hesitant and embarrassed.
Seeing this, Sefina didn’t press further. She took out her key, turned to open the dormitory door, and gestured sideways.
“It’s cold outside. Come in first, and then talk?”
Ellaria nodded as if granted a reprieve, softly murmured “Excuse me,” and followed Sefina into the warm room. She obediently took off her snow-dusted short boots and changed into the fluffy slippers Sefina had found for her.
Sefina didn’t immediately ask why she had come. Instead, as if entertaining an ordinary visitor, she naturally walked toward the small kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and asked,
“Have you had dinner yet?”
Ellaria shook her head and answered in a low voice,
“Not yet…”
“Perfect timing, then. Let’s eat together. It’s cold, so some warm food will do you good.” Sefina said gently.
Ellaria was momentarily stunned, a warm current rising in her heart. She softly hummed in agreement.
Soon, an enticing aroma drifted from the small kitchen.
Sefina busied herself in the kitchen. Her movements were quick and efficient. In no time, she brought out steaming dishes—a pot of tender and flavorful braised beef with potatoes, a plate of golden chicken stewed with mushrooms, and a bowl of clear, delicious hot soup.
Simple home-style dishes, yet they exuded a reassuring warmth.
“Come on, try it first.”
Sefina handed Ellaria a bowl of rice and chopsticks, then sat down across from her.
Ellaria carefully picked up a piece of the soft, braised beef and put it into her mouth. The savory, delicious taste instantly melted on her tongue, accompanied by the softness of the potatoes and the richness of the broth.
Her eyes brightened slightly, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved into a soft smile.
“It’s delicious, Teacher.”
“Then eat more.”
Sefina also picked up her bowl.
The two ate in silence, the room filled only with the gentle clinking of utensils and the fragrance of food.
This ordinary warmth and tranquility was precious to Ellaria.
She ate slowly, feeling that the days of fatigue and the worries in her heart were soothed a little by the steaming food.
Halfway through the meal, Ellaria’s movements slowed.
She seemed to have finally made up her mind. She gently put down her chopsticks, placed her hands properly on her knees, and took a deep breath.
Sefina noticed and also set down her chopsticks. Her wine-red eyes calmly looked at Ellaria, waiting for her to speak.
“S-Sefina… Teacher Sefina…”
Ellaria’s voice was even lower than before, carrying obvious hesitation and shyness. The blush that had just faded a little spread again.
“F-for winter break… c-could you… let me stay with you?”
She almost used all her strength to say these words, then immediately lowered her head, staring at the rim of her bowl, afraid to see Sefina’s expression.
Sefina first let out a surprised “Huh?” with a rising tone, clearly taken aback by this sudden request.
But soon, combining Ellaria’s nervous and shy demeanor with her background, Sefina quickly understood.
The image of the frail figure being bullied by her half-brother Prince Eric in the hallway before the last trip to the western continent flashed in her mind.
This seemingly noble princess was actually the royal family’s secret illegitimate child. Her mother was a lowly maid. In the palace, she faced cold stares and bullying, with no one to care for her.
Her hard work and excellence were perhaps largely just to gain a pathetic shred of recognition and self-worth.
And Sefina herself had unknowingly become the faint light of trust and reliance in Ellaria’s dark world.
Sefina understood in her heart.
This child was simply afraid to return to that cold, merciless “home,” a place that only brought her pain and humiliation.
That was why Ellaria had gathered the courage to make such an intimate and somewhat abrupt request to her teacher.
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.
Ellaria’s heart was in her throat. She could hear her own heart pounding like a drum.
‘Would Teacher Sefina find me troublesome? Would she refuse? Would she think my request is too presumptuous, too greedy?’
‘Would she hate me for this?’
All sorts of unease and conflict churned inside her.
But she truly… truly did not want to go back to that gilded cage.
Only by Teacher Sefina’s side did she feel “seen” and needed.
Just as Ellaria was almost crushed by the silence, Sefina spoke, her voice still calm, with a hint of confirmation.
“The palace… will that be okay?”
She was referring to whether the royal family would pursue or trouble Ellaria if she didn’t return.
Ellaria quickly shook her head, her voice tinged with bitterness and self-mockery.
“It’s fine… No one really cares if I go back. Father Emperor… probably won’t ask after me.”
Her tone was light, but it carried a heartbreaking loneliness.
Sefina fell into a brief contemplation.
Reason clearly told her—during winter break, she needed to go to the western continent to carry out the mission assigned by Black Utopia, investigate the secrets of the Church, and also deal with the lingering issues of “Holmes.” She might even face unpredictable dangers.
Taking Ellaria along was undoubtedly unwise, dragging this already fragile child into unnecessary risk.
But…
Emotion pulled from the other side.
Looking at the girl with her head bowed, thinking of the coldness and harm she might face if she returned to the palace, Sefina found it hard to harden her heart and refuse outright.
This child depended on and trusted her so much. The careful expectation in those emerald eyes gently brushed against her heart like a feather.
She herself… seemed unwilling to let Ellaria go back alone to that place devoid of warmth.
Sefina weighed the options in silence.
If she took Ellaria to the western continent, perhaps she could think of a compromise?
If she asked Versie for help, given her status as a duke’s daughter and her influence in the western continent, temporarily looking after and protecting a young girl shouldn’t be too difficult.
Only…
She might have to pay a small “price” for it.
After thinking it over, Sefina raised her eyes to look at the nervous Ellaria and spoke slowly.
“I need to go to the western continent during winter break to handle some matters.”
Ellaria’s heart sank slightly, thinking this was a委婉 refusal.
But Sefina continued.
“It might not be as peaceful as Oselenka there. Even so, are you willing to come?”
“Really?! Thank you! Teacher Sefina! Really… thank you so much!”
Ellaria jerked her head up, her emerald eyes bursting with joyful surprise.
Without any hesitation, she nodded vigorously like a pestle pounding garlic.
Seeing Ellaria’s resolute reaction, the last bit of concern in Sefina’s heart seemed to dissipate.
“Eat first. The food is getting cold.”
A slight smile tugged at the corner of Sefina’s mouth. Her tone returned to its usual calm, but her eyes were much softer.
“Mm!”
Ellaria nodded firmly and picked up her chopsticks again.
For the rest of the dinner, Ellaria ate with exceptional relish, the smile never leaving her face.