Partners In Crime

Chapter 16

-- William's POV --

School hours have finally come to an end. 

Sorting through piles of paperwork, I walked towards the direction of my carriage.

The median of the test scores turned out to be 96%. 

Not bad at all. Y/N is still in the lead I see.

As far as I'm concerned, she had not failed a single test given to her. Her strength of will regarding school work and other priorities divulged to be rather impressive. 

Peyton informed me that the cause of her brilliance lies with her parents. 

"Our parents were quite harsh towards her, in a loving approach. Mother had always told me that I couldn't play with her because she was busy studying. No matter when I would try to convince my father to accommodate her with some rest, he would scold me for getting in a way of her glory. Beyond a doubt, they have created an image of Y/N becoming their greatest successor. The true prodigy of our bloodline. I felt no jealousy towards her, nor did I feel envious of her attaining extensive amounts of attention from mother and father. All I felt was sympathy. While my sisters and I attended balls, social conventions, and large gatherings, in short, made friends and practiced our social skills, she sat at home. Reading, writing, learning. I believe that even now, with our parents abroad, she developed a habit of sorts. Consistently longing for a book." Peyton spoke upon the topic of my question.

Her face expressed a noticeable presentation of guilt. 

"They loved her. I know they did, and still do to this day, despite being miles away. I only wish that they could demonstrate it in a different way." She finished, looking at me with teary eyes.

It seems as though I had finally discovered the logic behind her scores. 

Y/N's parents unintentionally indoctrinated her into thinking that a day of rest could negatively affect her hard work. In reality, months... no, years of inactivity would have little to no impact on her intellect. 

They had to have known of Y/N's brilliance the moment she was brought into this world, thus they chose to extend her wisdom from a young age. 

It might have helped her in discovering the beauty of the outside world, but it significantly diminished her mental state. 

What an awfully brutal way of maturing.  

"Professor Moriarty!" I heard loud shouting behind my back. 

"Miss Elisabeth, I see that you never lack energy." I turned to face my student.

"Of course not! What a gloomy life you'd have if it wasn't for yours truly, providing you with a daily dose of cheerfulness." She placed one of her hands on her hip, with the other resting on her chest. "Forbye with all intents and purposes, I was hoping to ask if you'd seen Y/N today? I reasoned since the two of you live together, she would join you on your way home."

Elisabeth hadn't a clue of Y/N's whereabouts? Even as her closest friend?

"She was excused from school for today. I believe she and her sister are wedding shopping as we speak." I noted.

"I see. Thank you for letting me know, I grew rather worried." She smiled.

"Wonderful to know that Y/N has a friend like you. Now if you'll excuse me." I lowered my top hat, putting it back on as I continued my stroll.