The Lost Mark

Chapter 22: What is womanly and what is manly?

When I got settled in I opened up the diary, but before I could even read the first word there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"I am smith, The assistant of the household."

"I didn't realize nobles had assistants."
"Well, they do, Miss Alesta. Is this what you wish to be called?"

"Yes."

"Well, I have some questions to ask you."

I got up and opened the door. "Then ask away."

"Follow me."

I blinked, surprised, but followed the man.

"Miss. Daphne is your daughter, correct?"
"Yes."

"Adopted?"

"Yes."
"Is she an orphan?"
"I believe so."

"you must know."

"Alright."

"She is almost at marriage age so there are many things we must do."

"And what is that?"
"Get her a tutor, teach her proper etiquette, and plan her party."

"Party?"

"Yes and gain allies. She must get married pretty quickly. Arranged marriage would be the ideal idea."

"I don't believe in an arranged marriage."

He sighed. "That's why men should make choices."

I pursed my lips. "Then why ask me?"
"The Lord said it was up to you. Not very wise, but he is in charge."

I nodded glaring at the man.

"You must know that it will be hard to get her an arranged marriage because her pedigree isn't good."

I decided then that I didn't like this man.

"Well, then it's a good thing that I don't want to arrange her marriage."

He sighed. "This is why I hate young nobles."

I really dislike him. We walked into a room that had a lot of chairs in it.

"Well, you can sit down."

I gritted my teeth and begrudgingly sat down. I looked around and saw everyone but Nee here.

"Where's Nee?" I asked.

"She isn't needed," Smith said.

I closed my eyes and vowed to tell her everything later.

"I gathered you all here to inquire about how you will run this village." He said addressing all of us, but only looking at Gregory.

"I need to research this place a little more before we make any major decisions."

"That is very wise. " Smith complemented.

How irritating.

"What is the education level here?" Rina asked.

He ignored her. "We have quite a few books about this village."

Gregory clapped excitedly.

"What is the education level here?" Rina repeated only to get no response.

Alex slammed her hands on the table. "Listen!" she startled the two men. "My wife has a question."

The assistant frowned. "Go ahead."
"What is the level of education here?"
He simply laughed. "That's a stupid question. Women shouldn't--"