The exams were just around the corner.
Eleanor and the children put in the final push for preparation. Siena even spent several days at Adrian's count's residence to focus solely on studying.
There was nothing left to teach. The children were ready, and Eleanor was certain of it. From this point forward, the most important thing was helping them not to crumble under the pressure and anxiety of the exam. In other words, mental management.
In that respect, Siena was the most vulnerable. Her problem was that she wanted to do well far too much.
Siena, staring at the summary notes Eleanor had prepared for her, asked with a worried expression:
"What if the questions turn out to be too hard?"
"You've studied enough, Ena. Even if there are difficult problems, you'll be able to handle them."
Eleanor hugged her tightly.
"I believe in you, Ena. I hope you'll trust yourself a little more, too."
Siena clung to Eleanor.
"I wish you could come to the Academy with us, Teacher."
"I know. What will I do when you all leave? I'll be so lonely."
"I want to go to the Academy, but I don't want to leave home."
Eleanor drew in a deep breath. Siena still smelled faintly of baby powder.
Soon I won't even be able to hold her like this anymore.
While the children busied themselves with their final preparations, Eleanor quietly began preparing herself to let them go. Every moment with them felt all the more precious now.
If only I had a camera…
The children had grown so quickly. Compared to when she had first met them, they were taller, slimmer, and the baby fat had faded from their cheeks.
I wish they would grow more slowly. Of course, they'll become fine adults one day, but still…
With wistful hands, Eleanor stroked Siena's hair.
"Once you get there, you'll really enjoy yourself. You'll have Luke and Demi with you, so you won't be alone. That'll make it much easier to adjust."
"Do you really think so?"
"Yes. I truly do."
The Academy was located in the neutral nation of Deln, a full three-day journey away.
"Are we really going to arrive today?"
"Yes, we're almost there."
Fortunately, since Eleanor was officially designated as Lucas's guardian, she was allowed to use one of the large and comfortable imperial carriages. For the children's sake, they made frequent stops to rest along the way.
Adrian and Siena's mother, Hestia, also traveled with them, taking turns with Eleanor to look after the children. Kaidel, who had business to attend to, was scheduled to join them later.
Lucas, barely hanging onto the edge of his seat, twisted his body with a groan. His face showed he was completely exhausted from the long journey.
"I feel sick…"
Eleanor gently handed him a water bottle.
"Hang in there, Luke. We'll be at the inn soon."
"You said that earlier!"
"This time it's true. Look outside. We're already in the city."
Eleanor pointed out the window.
"Wow, you're right!"
The children scrambled to the window, pressing their faces against the glass.
Outside stretched the bustling streets of Deln, lined with shops. The carriage noticeably slowed its pace.
During the Academy's entrance exam season, Deln's central district was always overflowing with people. Even finding a place to eat or stay was a challenge.
Luckily, Eleanor and Hestia had managed to secure a decent inn. Adrian and Kaidel, however, had to settle for a shabby little lodging house.
"Everyone must be hungry."
Eleanor looked around at the children. Their responses came quickly.
"Yes!"
"I'm starving!"
"My stomach's growling!"
Eleanor smiled.
"Lian reserved us the finest restaurant in the area. Once we get down, we'll go eat right away."
The children's faces lit up instantly, their energy returning in a flash.
The restaurant Adrian had recommended turned out to be excellent—he had made the reservation over a month ago.
"See you tomorrow, Ena."
"Get a good rest!"
After dinner, Siena went up to her room with her mother, saying she wanted to go to bed early to be well-rested.
"Shall we head up too?"
Eleanor asked Adrian to help Damien and Lucas wash up, since it was easier for him to handle the boys.
"Wow, this is no easy task."
Adrian emerged from the bathroom, shirt drenched, half from splashed bathwater and half from sweat.
Eleanor handed him a towel with a laugh.
"Thanks for your hard work."
"Just words?"
Adrian shook out his hair with the towel, eyes narrowing playfully.
"What do you want?"
Eleanor tilted her head with a small smile.
"When the kids go in for their exams tomorrow, we'll have some free time. Spend it with me."
"That's it? Sure."
Eleanor nodded immediately.
"Really?"
"Of course. What else would I be doing then?"
The Academy exam lasted two days. The first day covered written and oral tests, followed by a tour of the facilities and dormitories. The second day ended with a practical exam.
During that time, guardians had nothing to do but wait. There was no reason to refuse Adrian's suggestion.
"Don't forget—the Duke will be here tomorrow too."
Ah, Kaidel. Eleanor's eyes widened slightly. As Adrian said, Kaidel would be arriving by tomorrow evening.
Adrian quickly pressed the matter.
"No backing out. You already agreed."
Eleanor nodded. After all Adrian had done to help her on the trip, she could at least grant him this.
"There's something I've been wanting to show you. A view I think you'll love."
Adrian handed the damp towel back with a grin.
"You'll see—I'm sure you'll like it."
The decisive morning arrived. Eleanor gave the children's clothes a final check.
Just then, Damien, watching her intently, remarked in his calm way:
"Teacher, your face looks strange today."
Eleanor flinched. His clear eyes sparkled with innocent honesty.
"He's right."
Lucas peeked out and burst into laughter at the sight of her face.
Yes, laugh at me. Laugh it off…
Eleanor hadn't been able to sleep all night. Now that the time had come to send the children into the exam hall, her heart was pounding so hard it was unbearable.
She had spent the night watching Damien and Lucas, sleeping peacefully—each in their own way—and had gotten lost in sentimentality.
As a result, her face was swollen as if she'd fallen asleep after eating instant noodles.
"My princes are still shining as always. You must have slept well."
Eleanor kissed Damien and Lucas on their cheeks.
With their hair neatly combed back like Ismel's, the boys looked adorably handsome. Dressed formally for their interviews, they even resembled their older brothers a little.
"What about Ena?"
"She's been up for a while, already finished getting ready. Let's go."
Eleanor and the boys went down to the lobby.
"Ena, where's your mother?"
Expecting Siena to be with Hestia, Eleanor was surprised to find her standing alone. Siena glanced away.
"She said I could just go with Teacher and Uncle. She seemed really tired."
Her skin looked a little pale, perhaps from nerves. Eleanor checked her forehead—no fever.
"How do you feel? Are you okay?"
"Yes, I think so."
Siena gave her a reassuring smile. Eleanor exhaled in relief.
"Ellen."
"Sorry I'm late."
Adrian and Kaidel had arrived. Kaidel was still holding his travel bag, having just come straight from the road.
"You came directly?"
"Yes. Luckily I wasn't late."
"You're right on time. We can split into two carriages."
Adrian quickly cut in.
"Since His Grace has luggage, he should go with Damien. We'll meet at the Academy gates."
Kaidel looked displeased, but he couldn't argue with the logic. He gave a slow nod.
The Academy gates were packed with people. Eleanor was reminded of her past life's university entrance exam day. The children were younger, of course, but the tense atmosphere was much the same.
"Don't be nervous. Just do as well as you've always done, okay?"
Eleanor clasped her trembling hands together like in prayer.
"Heh, Teacher looks the most nervous of all."
Lucas teased her with a grin. And it was true. Even Siena, whom Eleanor had worried about most, looked calm.
"That's right. Ellen's doing all the worrying for you, so just focus."
Adrian put his arm lightly around her shoulders.
"Demi."
Kaidel knelt in front of Damien, meeting his eyes.
"Take the exam with ease. You're a smart child—I'm sure you'll do well. But even if you don't, it's all right. Don't be too nervous."
He straightened Damien's tie as he spoke.
"Okay."
"I'll do my best."
"Good."
Kaidel tapped his cheek with a smile.
Just then, the bell rang, urging examinees to enter. Eleanor gently pushed the children forward.
"We'll be back."
The children waved broadly and disappeared into the crowd. The three adults stood watching until they vanished completely from sight.
"They'll be fine, right?" Eleanor asked.
"Of course."
"Don't worry."
Both men replied without hesitation.
"Come on, Ellen."
Adrian held out his hand. Kaidel frowned.
"Where are you going?"
Adrian's smile tilted slyly.
"Sorry, Your Grace. I already have an appointment with Ellen. You must be tired from your journey—why not rest at the inn?"
"An appointment?"
Kaidel turned his gaze to Eleanor, questioning. Eleanor gave a small, apologetic nod. She felt guilty leaving him alone without even sharing a meal, but a promise was a promise.
"We'll all have dinner together tomorrow, after the children finish their exams."
Kaidel forced himself to nod. Leaving like this, without even a proper conversation—he felt like punching the smug young marquis smirking behind Eleanor.
"Very well."
"Rest well, Kaidel. You must be tired from the long trip. Sleep plenty."
The same words Adrian had said earlier—but how differently they sounded.
And once again, Eleanor's voice melted Kaidel's resolve completely.
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