Villainess' Second Chance

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Few weeks have passed. Adelaide has received a letter from the emperor, officially inviting her to be the prince's educator.

Adelaide came to the ducal state today to personally bid farewell to me before she'll finally go to the imperial palace.

She sobbed as she hugged me and exclaimed, "Lady Eloise! I'm genuinely going to miss you! I can't believe you did this for me!"

I gave her a pat on the back and said, "Hey, calm down. You can still teach me even when you're tutoring the prince."

She was still sobbing, "B-But... They invited me to be a full-time prince's educator, which means I may not be able to come here and tutor you anymore." She explained, "I wanted to decline but I can't waste the opportunity you and the emperor have given me,"

I smiled at her, which made her cry even more. "This is for your promising future, Adelaide. I know you be successful one day. I have a lot of trust in you."

She wiped her tears with her finger but her tears kept running to her cheeks, "I'll genuinely miss you, lady Eloise. I will cherish the moments we have together even if it's only in a short period of time. I can't thank you enough,"

I offered her my handkerchief and she accepted it. She used it to wipe away her tears after I gave it to her.

"You're extremely special to me as well, Adelaide; we'll send each other's letter if we have time. For the meantime, I would like you to focus on your career this is the perfect time for you to showcase your ability as an educator. And maybe one day, you'll build and manage your dream school."

She looked at me, "How did you know that it's always been my dream?"

Oh crap. I smiled at her, "Because I understand what you want in life.  You've been teaching me enough to know that."

She seems like she bought it, she smiled at me and bowed her head before she said, "Thank you, Lady Eloise. I promise I won't screw this up."

"I already believe in you, Adelaide."

After we had our time together, Veronica entered the room and remarked, "Lady Adelaide, the carriage is waiting for you."

Adelaide gave me a final embrace.

"Take care, Adelaide," I stated

"You too, lady Eloise."

We broke the hug and Veronica escorted her to the carriage. I watched her by my balcony. She glance at my direction before she went inside the carriage and wave her hand. I wave back as my farewell.

The carriage finally left the ducal state. I must get ready right now since Augustus will be training me shortly. He officially came back from the imperial palace.

I can't believe I almost forgot about the whole archery thing. But I hope I'll be able to use the damn skill one day.

I changed into my training clothes, the 'ol brown corset-like vest and a long sleeve white gown underneath, and I headed into the training area to meet him.

He was there, looked like he just finished his training with other knights and looking sweaty.

I don't know if I will find it hot or something, but his face card didn't decline not gonna lie.

I approached him and said, "Hey."

His blue eyes are very alluring, it looks like it's glowing when he looks at me.

Wait, why am I admiring how he looks?! Thalia was the one he chose. I can't act as a barrier in their romance!

I abruptly slap both my cheeks in front of him. He looked surprised, and  probably thinking I looked so dumb right now. Honestly, I am surprised why I did that either.

He looks at me with a concerned look in his eyes, "Are you alright?"

That was humiliating to do, darn it!

I smile at him to hide my embarrassment, "I'm fine, shall we start?"

He nodded and went to get the bow and arrow that we will be using for practice.

I can see why Thalia chose him now; his looks so endearing and his presence is so welcoming.

As soon as he got back, he said, "Here," and handed me the bow and arrow.

I hesitated to take the arrow because it looks so sharp. Dang it, when will this phobia go away!?

"Lady Eloise, are you truly alright? If you're not feeling well we could just postpone the training—"

I immediately cut him off, "No, I told you I'm fine." I insisted, but it's obvious that my hands was shaking when I tried to accept the arrow.

I swore that the shaking wasn't on purpose, but my whole damn nervous system doesn't seem to go along with me.

Finally, after what it feels like a long time, I held the arrow.

Augustus then taught me the basics before we proceed to the demonstration.

At first, I wasn't able to hit the target, but after countless of failure I finally able to hit the target.

"Good job, lady Eloise. Now, try to hit the center of the target." He stated

I focused my vision to the center and released the arrow, sadly, I wasn't able to hit the center. The arrow landed on side near the center, which is in my opinion, wasn't bad. I mean, it's almost in the center.

"Not bad." I heard Augustus stated

"You think so?" I asked

"Yeah, shall we take a break?"

"No, I have to try again until I hit the center."

My determination seemed to amuse him. He gave me tips and tricks to hit the center without a problem.

After countless times again, I finally did it. I hit the center.

"I did it.... I did it!" I yelled happily. I was about to hug Augustus but I remembered that I shouldn't... He's Thalia's love and I shouldn't intervene.

I smiled at him and lifted my hand, offering him a high five. He gave me a high five but it became awkward.

"Uhmm... Is the session done now?" I asked

He then nodded, "Y-Yeah, you can go ahead and rest now, lady Eloise."

I smiled and immediately ran until I reached the garden. Well, I handled that situation well... I guess