0&1 Ch 7.1

Caregiving Event

“This is troublesome,” said Duke Pie, holding the answer sheet I had written.

He didn’t put it down, as if there was something to read in the short answer sheet.

It was really troublesome.

After spending some time living as ‘Joffrey,’ I was certain everything I did was being reported to the Queen. 

My test results would surely be reported as well.

The queen was impressed by my recent diligent studying. According to Dot, I seemed to be studying harder than the former Joffrey.

That was only natural, since I knew less than Joffrey.

However, I had no idea how the Queen would react when she found out that I had done poorly on the exam.

To see if the students had been following the lessons well, Duke Pie decided to give them an exam. However, it seemed like this was a sudden idea that popped into the Duke’s head today. Naturally, there was no exam period, nor was there any study material.

The Duke did not accept multiple-choice answers. I had to write my answers as if I were writing an essay.

Duke Pie read the questions aloud.
“Discuss the domestic policies of King Edward the Conqueror.”
“Describe the marriage alliance of Princess Milliam.”

I wrote down the questions the Duke read aloud on a piece of paper and searched my mind.

I thought I remembered reading something like that in one of the many books I had read during supplementary lessons.

The names were familiar. I racked my brain and wrote a paragraph or so, but then I ran out of things to write.

A seat away, Grey had moved on to a third sheet of paper. His pen raced furiously across the page.

Next to him, Edward was slumped over his desk. He remained that way until the exam ended.

Duke Pie did not wake Edward. He just signaled to me to focus on the exam and not look at Edward.

The exam ended as soon as Grey put down his pen. He’d filled six pages and handed them in with a satisfied expression.

Duke Pie collected the answer sheets and read Grey’s first.

His expression didn’t change. Grey was nervous, but when Duke Pie nodded, he smiled slightly.

Edward had turned in a blank sheet, so I was next.

 “…” Duke Pie was silent for a long while.

This time, the rumor that Joffrey was an idiot might spread.

“Without a foundation of learning, you cannot move forward. The importance of reviewing cannot be overstated. Reading a book is not just turning pages and skimming the content with your eyes, but reading with your mind and heart to understand what the author is trying to say. If you cannot do that, even if you sit at your desk and read a book with your eyes, you have not truly read it. It is better to read one book correctly than to read a hundred books with your eyes.” Duke Pie spoke calmly, eyes still on my answer sheet.

His monotone tone made it unclear whether I was being scolded or not. It seemed like he was just preaching.

Grey glanced at me. It was as if he was saying, “It’s your fault I’m being scolded.”

It seemed like I deserved to be scolded. I nodded my head in apology.

“… But you did try hard. I know you read all the books I recommended. You need to change the way you read, but gaining experience through reading is a valuable thing. Thank you for your hard work.” He set down my paper and looked at me. 

I nodded, then blinked in surprise.

Was that a compliment? 

When I widened my eyes, Duke Pie nodded once.

Oh…

It was the first time I had ever been praised for studying. It felt like he was telling me I had tried hard, considering how slow I was.

Duke Pie was also the teacher who taught me history and general knowledge when I had just awakened. Compared to back then, though, it was like I had gone from being a newborn to a toddler.

“Thank you,” I said.

The atmosphere in the classroom became strange. Edward, who was still half asleep, blinked his dazed eyes and lay back down. 

Grey looked as if he had something sour in his mouth. He tilted his head in confusion and asked Duke Pie: “Excuse me, but may I read His Highness Joffrey’s answer sheet?”

“I don’t think that’s something you should ask me,” the Duke replied.

Grey turned to me. “Is it okay, Your Highness?”

His expression was different from usual. He was trying to look calm, but his eyes were burning. Is that competitiveness?

He must’ve really wanted praise from Duke Pie. 

He wrote a report-level answer, but it would be annoying to see someone else write a paragraph and get praised for it.