What a pitiful child.
Because of her noble status, Madam Anna could only express her sympathy through her expression and gaze.
She thought to herself, even though the family had already fallen to such a state, Hill, who still hadn’t given up hope in life, must have a rather proud heart within as well.
Madam Anna had originally thought that, although she was not as omnipotent as the Goddess and could not bring the child’s parents back to life, at least she could provide a little financial support.
Surely the Hamilton family’s inheritance wasn’t much to begin with, and this child had been alone for so many years—her finances must be rather strained by now.
But if she were to express this sympathy rashly, she feared it would have the opposite effect and arouse the child’s dislike. After all, for people like them, such gestures were almost an insult.
Madam Anna let out a gentle sigh, while Otis covered her small mouth, looking equally unable to bear the scene.
Milk was considered a basic drink for nobles, as high society generally believed that dairy provided abundant nutrition and, for women, even had extra beautifying effects.
Thus, nearly every noble, even if they didn’t own pastures themselves, would find ways to connect with local farms so that they could always drink fresh milk.
However, not every noble enjoyed milk. In this era, milk processing was quite primitive, and much of it was not only lacking sweetness but even carried a distinct animal odor. Many pampered nobles couldn’t accept this from the bottom of their hearts.
Otis was among those who disliked milk; she preferred flavored honey drinks or fruit juice instead. Seeing that the milk she normally disdained was actually something Hill could hardly even dream of having, the simple and kind-hearted Otis was instantly overcome with guilt.
“All these years, Hill’s life really hasn’t been easy.” Otis couldn’t help but think, “We’re the same age, so in just another year she’ll be an adult. If she can’t become an Extraordinary before the kingdom’s examiners arrive, Hill won’t be able to inherit her family’s legacy and will have to keep living such a hard, impoverished life.”
At that thought, Otis almost couldn’t help but go over and hug Hill’s petite figure tightly, but the etiquette and upbringing carved into her noble bones still kept her from acting so impulsively.
She only sat in her seat, her body trembling slightly now and then, and used her handkerchief to gently wipe away the tears trailing down her cheek.
Seeing that the mood at the table was getting off track, Hill quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Madam Anna, Miss Otis, please don’t feel sad for me. Think about it—boiled water isn’t necessarily any worse than a cup of hot milk. Haven’t the priests of the Machine God already proven this?”
“Ah!” Madam Anna gently shook her head. As expected, Hill, despite her outward indifference, still possessed the pride of a noble in her bones. How could such a good child so easily accept her sympathy and pity?
And so, lunch came to an end amid such an atmosphere. It’s worth mentioning that Hill even asked for two more cups of hot milk, drinking them down with obvious satisfaction. But compared to real fresh blood, the nutrition was still lacking; at most, it would stave off hunger for a day.
In other words, tonight’s hunt could be postponed until tomorrow.
After the midday sacrament, the maid was cleaning the table, while Hill and Otis returned upstairs to the study to resume magic lessons.
Hill couldn’t help but feel Otis was studying even more diligently today. Although her progress didn’t quite meet expectations, it was still pleasing.
Not everyone in this world could earn the Goddess’s favor, but wasn’t the Goddess herself just an ordinary mortal before she ignited her divine fire? Whose favor did she earn back then?
So, effort isn’t entirely worthless before talent—especially when it comes to a good child like Otis, who’s both talented and hardworking.
Hill felt more and more satisfied with the child; if possible, she truly wanted to become lifelong friends with her.
However, for now, their statuses were still unequal. Only after inheriting her own family’s title would she barely have the qualifications. Though blessed by the Goddess, she could not afford to relax for even a moment!
Soon, the afternoon lesson ended amid the symphony of pen and paper. Hill stood up, stretching her stiff limbs. At that moment, there was a knock at the study door. She assumed it was a maid, but in walked the elegant Madam Anna.
“Madam,” Hill performed a perfect curtsy, “I didn’t expect you to visit in person.”
“Are your lessons finished?” Madam Anna glanced at her daughter, who was quietly reviewing her notes, then turned a satisfied smile to Hill and expressed her sincerest gratitude: “Allow me to speak frankly, you truly are a kind and resilient child. I am overjoyed that Otis has made a friend like you.”
Hill replied politely as well: “You flatter me, Madam. I have only done what a friend ought to do. I believe the Goddess would also be pleased to see me use her gift to help others.”
“Exactly,” Madam Anna smiled. “Even the Goddess of Night has her generous and merciful side. For a good child like you, I believe none of the gods would withhold their blessings. By the way, before you leave, would you like to enjoy some afternoon tea with us?”
Hill’s previously natural smile suddenly froze, and she almost couldn’t keep her face from twisting with discomfort. She replied awkwardly, “I would love to—though I wish I could say that, I’m terribly sorry, Madam. I’ve already taken up quite enough of your hospitality. Now that Miss Otis’s magic lesson is over, I suppose our time together must wait until next weekend.”
“Are you sure you won’t stay?” Otis’s hopeful gaze was cast over as well.
Hill really felt restless now. Whether tea or sweets, they were all difficult for her to digest. After eating them, her stomach would be bloated yet unsatisfied—she truly didn’t want to suffer through that again.
After repeatedly declining, Hill finally managed to escape. It’s worth noting that, though Madam Anna didn’t press her to stay, she still instructed a servant to bring Hill a hot cup of milk. With gratitude on her face, Hill paid little mind to noble etiquette and gulped it down in one go.
Madam Anna didn’t mind at all; in her eyes, no matter how mature Hill looked, she was just a child the same age as her own daughter. Nobles certainly have their pride, but children should be free to act as children, shouldn’t they?
At last, Hill left the Montbatten family estate, took her gold coin, boarded the carriage she had arrived in, and gradually disappeared into the distance.
After the guest departed, Madam Anna called her daughter to her side, held her hand, and asked whether such teaching had been effective.
The answer she received was rather unexpected.
“Mother, I have never felt so close to magic as I did today.”
Her daughter didn’t seem to be lying. After a slight daze, Madam Anna chose to believe her.
“Though it may take you a long time to become an Extraordinary, as your mother, I will always support and respect your wishes. Don’t be afraid. Besides me, you have two brothers who love you just as much—they surely wouldn’t want to see their beloved sister married off to some stranger.”