The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 51

“Quickly!”

At the professor’s shout, Maxwell hurriedly cleaned up the laboratory.

‘Damn, just because a kid is coming, why all the fuss?’

Although that thought crossed his mind, he knew that when it came to the future Marquis Rosan, raised by Grand Duchy Evron, the situation was different.

Whether or not she formally became a student of Professor Nivea, she was a valuable connection, and the sponsorships would be substantial. A significant amount of money had already flowed into the department from Grand Duchy Evron, and from the rumors, it seemed Marquisate Rosan also had considerable wealth.

Considering that, there was no real downside for Maxwell. The only issue was that the professors at the Imperial University were fawning over a twelve-year-old, which made him uncomfortable.

‘Hasn’t anyone else been called a genius at a young age?’

It wasn’t just Maxwell who had complaints. Given that the Marquis title was secured, and she was even engaged to Young Duke Evron, some people were mocking how much the higher-ups were rushing to please her.

Noble children who attended school weren’t common unless they came from fallen families. Young children were usually taught by private tutors, and once that basic education was complete, the family would hire tutors for specific subjects. If they needed knowledge for managing a family estate or the manor, tutors would be called in for that as well.

Since Emperor Gregor’s reign began, the number of younger sons with fewer inheritances and collateral nobles going to university had increased, but they were still not the majority.

So, naturally, there was a rush to secure a connection with her.

“Ugh.”

As Maxwell finished cleaning the laboratory, he let out a sigh. Just then, a knock sounded.

“Come in.”

Professor Nivea responded, trying to maintain his calm. The door cracked open, and a thirteen-year-old girl peeked inside.

“Hello, Professor Nivea.”

“Welcome, Lady Artizea.”

Artizea smiled warmly as she stepped inside. Professor Nivea offered her a seat and served her a cup of sweet-smelling red bean tea.

“Thank you.”

“It’s only been a week, right? How have you been?”

“I’ve been well, thanks to your concern. I brought the assignment you gave me.”

Artizea pulled a notebook from her bag and handed it to her.

Professor Nivea was a philosophy professor.

Artizea hadn’t officially enrolled at the Imperial University. After finishing the general education course at the end of last year, one of the teachers who taught philosophy insisted she meet their mentor and introduced her to Professor Nivea.

In fact, almost every subject teacher encouraged Artizea to pursue formal studies by writing her recommendation letters. As a result, Artizea made connections with professors in various fields.

She wasn’t sure why they gave her assignments just because she asked a few questions, but whenever she brought those assignments back, it often led to hours of further discussion.

Since they were taking their valuable time to teach her, Artizea tried her best to meet their expectations.

‘Everyone praises me, so I’m happy. I enjoy it when they show interest too.’

Memorizing and analyzing were among the few things Artizea excelled at. She was pleased when praised for her efforts.

As she watched Professor Nivea read through the notebook, her eyes met Maxwell’s, who was looking quite annoyed. He quickly averted his gaze.

Artizea frowned and lowered her eyes. Unlike the professors who praised her, there were many who didn’t like her.

[It’s jealousy. It’s obvious. They feel inferior because they lost to a younger girl.]

Skyla had put it succinctly, but Artizea couldn’t brush it off as easily as her friend did.

[Don’t think I’m not aware. Just wait. I’ll definitely get into university in three years.]

Lately, Skyla had been so busy with her studies that she barely spent time with Artizea.

“Lady Artizea.”

At the sound of her name, Artizea jumped slightly and looked up. Professor Nivea gave her a kind smile.

“Wouldn’t you like to formally study under me?”

“Ah.”

Artizea’s face grew flustered.

Professor Nivea had expected this, which is why he hadn’t made such a direct offer until now, except for their initial meeting. He believed it was better to offer this after becoming closer, rather than making her feel pressured.

Meanwhile, he had tried subtly to give the impression that life in the lab was enjoyable. He hadn’t realized that one of his students was ruining the mood by scowling in the background.

“Classics and history are excellent studies, but for someone like you, constructing logical arguments and contemplating human nature would be more fitting. If someone like you doesn’t study philosophy, then who will?”

Maxwell was absent-mindedly thinking as he listened to that.

‘He’s really going this far to take in a noble kid.’

But Professor Nivea was sincere. It wasn’t because Artizea was a noble, he was willing to offer a scholarship if it meant taking her on as a disciple.

“You enjoy thinking about people, don’t you?”

“I do, but…”

Artizea replied with a troubled expression.

“Do you think this can make me a useful person when I grow up?”

“What do you mean? Why would learning logic and contemplating human nature be useless?”

“I want to learn something that will help Young Lord Evron practically.”

Artizea knew the importance of great scholarship. But somewhere in her mind, she had the nagging feeling that what she was doing was pointless.

She wanted to find something she was good at, but she didn’t have a dream for the future.

Alice wanted to attend teacher’s school and become a teacher or secretary, and Skyla had ambitions to be the esteemed Marquis Camellia first and then later, the Chancellor. Lysia’s dream was to become the Ranger Commander of Evron, just like her late mother, who had been a ranger.

But Artizea didn’t know what she wanted to become. She wanted to be praised and promised herself that she would become a useful person, but she still didn’t know exactly what kind of work she should do. She wasn’t sure which of her talents could be of help.

Thinking about it made her feel as if the short grace period Cedric mentioned, until she turned 18, was fast approaching. Despite her daily happiness, there were days when she felt anxious.

Artizea looked up at Nivea with clear eyes.

“I’ll think about it.”

That was the only response she could give.

* * *

Lysia got off the carriage in front of Count Swaro’s residence.

“Welcome, Lady Morten. The Miss is expecting you.”

The butler greeted her politely.

Lady Swaro had invited both Artizea and Lysia to the tea party. However, since Artizea already had prior engagement, Lysia came alone today.

But she wasn’t too concerned. She was worried about sending Artizea alone but she didn’t mind going by herself. Moreover, Lady Swaro was a fun friend.

She had made many friends since coming to the capital. She was cheerful and knew a lot of games, so almost no one disliked her. Even those who had initially dismissed her as a country bumpkin or a minor northern noble quickly grew fond of her. She herself wasn’t the type to get easily hurt, either.

“Am I late?”

Lysia asked, as she followed the butler toward the terrace where the tea party was prepared.

“No, you’re right on time.”

At that moment, a group of boys appeared from down the hall.

They seemed to have been playing croquet, all of them holding wooden mallets and talking loudly as they walked. 

Lysia casually stopped. Among the boys, one face stood out clearly. It was Lawrence.