I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 38: A Day Before The Ball

"Bravo, Duchess Sigma!" Alison exclaimed, clapping her hands, "You've mastered everything I taught you; the dancing, etiquette, and speech. All in just a week. I'm so proud to have had such a quick learner."

I smiled at Alison and gave her a respectful bow, "It's all thanks to your teaching, Ms. StoneWall. I could never have learned so quickly without your guidance. It was my honor to be your student."

Alison hurried to stop me from bowing, her eyes wide with concern. As a Count's daughter, she felt my title as Duchess put us in statues, and I could see her panic rising. I reassured her that my bow was meant as a student honoring her teacher.

"Even so, I'm just a Count's daughter," Alison said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"But you're also my teacher," I replied with a reassuring smile, "It's only fitting that I show you the respect you deserve. I may not have another chance to express my gratitude like this."

Today marked the end of our time together, the last day Alison would be teaching me. It was only for a week, but my relationship with Alison became more than just a teacher and a student, we became friends. However, I understood the boundaries that existed between us, and I wasn't going to overstep them. Perhaps Alison sensed it as well because her expression had changed from a panic to a grimful expression.

"If it's alright with you, would you like to have tea with me one last time?" I asked of her.

Alison replied with a smile, "Gladly."

This time, instead of the garden, we chose to spend our afternoon in the elegant tea room adjacent to my study. The staff members had arranged an exquisite spread of refreshments. A selection of delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones adorned with clotted cream and strawberry preserves, alongside a steaming pot of fragrant Earl Grey tea. The aroma filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of freshly cut flowers arranged on the side table. 

At the door, Hunter stood quietly as my bodyguard. Within the cozy confines of the room, it was just Alison, myself, and a maid ready to pour our tea. As we sipped our tea and indulged in the treats, our conversation danced between trivial matters,  until Alison mentioned the upcoming royal ball.

"I've heard that the King and Queen have requested the renowned singer, Hugh Salavaster, to perform at the ball and sing their favorite song."

"Hugh Salavaster? He's the commoner who shot to fame overnight after his performance at the LILY Opera, and was later sponsored and adopted by the Salavaster family, correct?"

"Exactly," Alison replied with a warm smile. "Our kingdom has come a long way since the fight over the throne. Now, regardless of their background, talented individuals finally have the opportunity to showcase their gifts."

That's true. Before the Fight for the Throne, or more like after Reinhart was crowned King, his first order of business was to implement sweeping reforms that granted commoners rights previously reserved for nobles. He established access to education and created pathways for talented individuals to receive sponsorships, enabling them to showcase their skills in the arts and other fields.

However, I had never come across the name Hugh Salavaster in the novel. The Salavaster family was indeed mentioned, recognized as a noble house renowned for their passion for the arts, but there was little elaboration on their personal histories or contributions beyond that. My knowledge of Hugh came primarily from Viola. She would recount his stunning performances and the way he captivated audiences at one of the performances she had attended. Additionally, the weekly newspapers delivered to the estate featured occasional articles about him, detailing his rapid rise to fame and the buzz surrounding his talent.