Chapter 4

After finishing a breakfast that left me worried about whether it provided any actual sustenance, I wanted to stay in the dining room—which was at least warmer than my bedroom—but apparently, that wasn’t allowed. As soon as the meal was over, Father promptly holed himself up in his study, and the boys were taken back to the nursery.

On top of that, George the manservant raked the unburnt wood out of the hearth. Staring at a fireplace with no sign of fire wasn’t going to make me any warmer.

According to Patience’s memories, the morning is reserved for study. Of course, there’s no fancy tutor here. I have a faint memory of one being around for a short time when I was very little. Surely, before Father lost his job, the Granger family lived the life of ordinary aristocrats.

After the tutor left, Mother taught us our letters and numbers, and after that… Oh, right! Now I have to be the one to teach my brothers!

I hurried to the nursery in a bit of a flurry. Teaching my little brothers! That actually sounds like fun.

The nursery was spacious. Honestly, it didn’t need to be this big. A tiny flame flickered in the fireplace as if apologizing for its existence. It’s far too cold for this.

“Nasius, continue with your studies. Henry, do you think you can write all your letters yet?”

In the nursery, there were three desks and chairs set up in front of the fireplace. Patience’s memories tell me that Nasius is quite brilliant. Henry has only just begun his education.

“I’ve already learned them.”

He was writing diligently on a stone slate with a slate pencil held in his tiny fingers. So cute.

By the way, how was “me”—Patience—faring? It seems I really liked studying. I have plenty of memories of reading books.

The Granger family appears to be a house of scholars. Despite our impoverished life, the library is magnificent, and Father is a total bookworm—or rather, all he does is read the newspaper and books.

Is there no school? I “Googled” through Patience’s memories. It seems there are schools in this Lawrence Kingdom. Specifically, it is mandatory for nobles aged ten to sixteen to attend the Royal Academy in the capital, Romano.

Wait, if I’m ten, does that mean I have to go too?

I don’t mind studying, but socializing with aristocrats is a pain, and I’m worried it might be impossible in the first place. I can rely on Patience’s memories for manners, but with my clothes… I feel like I might stand out in a bad way.

As promised, I played with Henry after he finished his writing practice and simple arithmetic. Though “playing” really just meant reading a book to him. I have no intention of going outside when it’s this cold and the wind is blowing with flurries of snow.

Lunch was… well, it made me sad. The morning soup, thinly sliced bread, and a single slice of ham so thin it was practically translucent. It takes some real skill to slice something that thin. I found myself escaping reality by thinking that Eva’s knife skills must be incredible.

Patience used to give this ham to her brothers, didn’t she? Yeah… no way! I’ll die if I keep this up.

“I’m still recovering from my illness, so you two share it, Nasius and Henry.”

But honestly, a six-year-old and an eight-year-old are at a growing age. I want them to eat.

Alright, I’m going to improve the quality of life for the Granger family! I thought with determination—but after the meal, Father summoned me to his study. I wonder what he wants? Even in Patience’s memory, being called to the study is a rare occurrence.

Could it be… he realized I’ve possessed her?

I have Patience’s memories, and my actions are influenced by her common sense and habits, but somehow I feel like the original Patience is gone. Perhaps her father sensed that.

What do I do if I get kicked out of here?

Filled with anxiety, I gave the study door a polite, refined knock.