The Only Daughter Of Lancaster
Part Twenty-Five: The Teacher

Alberto Bennett looked around Amabel's room. There were only the two of them in the room with tea sets. The girl before him calmly sipped her tea, while Alberto was still busy guessing his way of thinking. "So, is there a problem what the lady called me?"

The cup that had been held by the silver-haired girl had finally been placed. His hands are stacked on his knees. "What do you think of my answer?"

Although Alberto did not understand where this conversation would take place, for the sake of politeness he answered it. "An answer that interested me. It is certainly impressive if you are from the ordinary, but the lady is the daughter of a Duke Lancaster. Sure the Duke will give the best teacher to the lady."

Amabel nodded, "so, you feel my answer is something ordinary?"

Alberto rubbed his thin beard. "Not so either. Only, if you get the best education but can not use it, it will be in vain. I'd say you've worked hard." His brown eyes were staring at Amabel. He could see the confusion on his face. "Compared to knowledge, I feel you can put empathy towards the people. That's a good thing and I didn't find it on the other princess's answer."

This time Amabel turned and looked at Alberto. From the look in those eyes, Alberto could see earnestness. "Is that enough to make me your student?"

"Yes?" Alberto did not understand. This question is too sudden. "You mean how?"

Amabel lowered her head, but her voice sounded so clear and firm. "I want to learn from Sir Bennett. That's if you let."

Alberto fell silent. Long enough to think. There are a lot of things in his head. He did not understand Amabel's sudden request. Alberto never had a student. "Look, I have to explain something. Before spring comes, I will go out in search of knowledge. It's a trip that's gonna take a lot of time because I'm planning on going around the whole country."

Amabel's smile was wide. "No problem! I can do it."

Alberto sighed. "Miss, until now I don't know why you called me. Yes, you want to be my student. Problem is, why?" Amabel was speechless, Alberto could see the reluctance on her face. The man took a piece of cake, "one thing you should know, a relationship between teacher and student should start with openness. After the openness there should be honesty. You gotit?"

That means Alberto wants to know the reason behind Amabel's decision. This means that the reason must come from honesty and must not be reduced or added. It means nothing is covered. When Amabel first studied with Sir Reginald, she did the same. Amabel then told me about the strangeness of her hair and eyes, as well as her anxiety. That was the beginning of the openness of the knowledge that Amabel would get from her teacher.

Amabel took a breath, then threw it away. While Amabel was still trying to calm herself down, Alberto chewed on her cookies again. "Sir Bennett, know that I want to give you an openness and honesty, but there are some things I can't say."

Hearing that Alberto cleaned his hands and stood up. "I'm leaving then. There is no openness if only half the truth. I'll give you until the departure time."

Amabel knew that Alberto was giving himself time to be ready. The girl immediately bowed, "i'll meet you."

Alberto waved his hand as he walked out of Amabel's room. There's no guilt there. Only, it was a pity that he had just eaten three pieces of his pastry because it was really delicious.

Amabel immediately fell down when the door closed. He covered his face in frustration. As a result of the secrets he had to keep, his decision could not be taken quickly. He was half-hearted and it made his chest tight. Now how's Amabel supposed to do? He had to quickly find strength and leave the palace.

"Where are you going?" The Birthday of Empress Jovanka. His face looked so pale and worried. His hands cupped his son's face. "My son, you just got back. Aren't you going to settle down? Why should I go again?"

"Mama. Please look at me," Arion gently pulled her mother's hand. The woman who had cared for him lovingly did not listen. Her eyes won't meet Arion's. "Mama, only I can complete this mission. It's for our safety."

This time Empress Jovanka turned her head, her hands tightly clasping Arion's hands. "There's a lot of commanders out there. Don't worry me like this, Arion. How long do I have to hold my breath every time I hear the news of death on the battlefield? No, make your mother suffer again. I beg you."

Arion closed his eyes. It hurt to hear his mother's words. But, he is bound by promise. "I'll be back. Whole and safe."

Empress Jovanka shook her head, tears flowing again. "I beg .. rethink. Don't you feel sorry for me? Or on your fiancee?"

"Everything's not so clear, mama." Said Arion while staring at his hand at Empress Jovanka. "I know you're strong, so I want you to accompany Amabel. You can spend time together."

Empress Jovanka sighed. "How can I be selfish like that? Amabel has the right to study and choose experience before entering the palace."

Arion now embraces Empress Jovanka and kisses the top of her head. "Pray me and my blessing. With that, any great enemy I'll defeat."

Empress Jovanka hugged Arion, tightly. "When your first victory, you almost died from a slash on your back. Then when you come back, your eyes and hair change. When you're done with this mission, will I still recognize you? Should I let my son go back to feeling great torment? I can't, Arion. You are my son and it hurts so much to let you off the battlefield again."

"Mama" called Arion but Empress Jovanka got up and looked out the window. Her tears are sweet, "prayer and blessing will always accompany you every step of the way, Arion. It's just, I won't let you. Tell that to His Majesty the King."

Arion sighed. He knew it would be like this. Finally he put a small box and a letter under it. "I will often send letters. Mom, I'm not coming back anytime soon. Take care of your mom and don't forget that I really love you."

Arion then got up and came out of Empress Jovanka's room. He could hear his mother's cries and with a heavy heart he moved away from there. Arion might have to stay away from his family and maybe this is better. He has to pay for his sins in the past. He cannot think too much about the throne and power. Arion is not Theo, though memories from the past continue to interfere.

The man took his horse into the forest. He needs it himself. In the middle of the forest there is a small lake, where Arion can calm down. He tied his horse's rope to one of the trees and sat by the lake.

His hand touched his hair, which was now black. Ever since he got this hair and eyes, he had remembered his previous life. Reincarnations. He is the reincarnation of Theo Walcott, the first king. Not going in will indeed, until for some time Arion was afraid to sleep. When he was unconscious, Theo met him and told him all the stories of the past.

About his kingdom, power, selfishness, and love for Celine. Arion rubbed his face with water and sighed. Had he not had this memory, would everything have changed? Will this guilt stop coming?

Every time she saw Amabel, she felt so happy and hurt at the same time. She was so happy to see Celine again, but was devastated by her mistake. If he wasn't power hungry, maybe Celine wouldn't have to blend in with nature. Maybe even though he can't have Celine, he can see Celine alive. Unconsciously her tears dripped, she felt so tight that it was hard to breathe.

Arion wants to be free from this suffering. Staying away from Amabel would be the quickest solution, even if he felt more claustrophobic. How selfish of Arion for not letting go of Amabel but, wanting her suffering to end. If it's like this, what should Arion do?