"This is stupid. I don't need to learn any of what you have given me, Angelika. Why do I have to have such a woman teach me?"

The look on her face at the moment was most likely similar to one when someone had smelled something foul. She couldn't help but feel her face contort into a displeased expression, staring at the young boy with an increasing annoyance.

It was apparent that this was what she was supposed to spend her time doing—tutoring the child of the Abella family.

Francis Abella was the youngest of three boys within the Abella estate, and seemingly the most ill-tempered out of the entire family. Strawberry blonde hair that stuck out at odd angles contrasted against his golden and judgemental eyes.

With those eyes, he stared at Angelika with an enormous amount of disrespect. His height was absurd, equaling Angelika's height (mind you, she's rather tall), making it hard to believe that the boy was twelve. Though his stature was man-like, his mannerisms made it very clear that he was nothing but a young child.

The Abella family, from what she remembered, was a family of giants. All of the members were bound to be over six feet, regardless of gender. They were the only family that had enough power even to begin to oppose the Royal family. They could provide proper backing for the Penn family to execute their selfish intentions (not that the Abella family was aware of these plans), which is why Angelika was sent here, under their orders.

The Abella family consisted of five members: Duchess Elitsa Abella, who was her husband's brains, Duke Patrick Abella, who was the reigning Duke of the Abella family, and then their sons, Marshal, Cooper, and Francis.

Although the former Angelika never picked up on it, it is clear to her that Francis had a complicated relationship with his parents. Since he is the youngest, he feels he has no value, which is partially correct. It's very apparent that the Abella parents cared deeply for Francis, but had a hard time conveying this affection when they are so busy catering to the eldest son's needs. It seems like a sad life to live in such misunderstandings.

In the original book, if she remembered correctly, none of these characters mattered except Marshal Abella, who served as the Crown Prince's Knight Commander and personal attendant. He was a tall man with a scar etched upon his upper lip past his lower. He spoke very little and was one of the heroine's potential love interests.

But despite this royal upbringing, it seems as though his youngest brother didn't even have the decency to talk to her respectfully. But it's not as though she has a last name for him to call her by anyway.

"Forgive me, Master. But may I ask why you do not wish to learn the material I have given you?" she asked. The boy's eyes grew wide, looking her up and down once over. The expression confused her, making Angelika tilt her head. "Is there something wrong?"

"It is the first time I have heard you speak a full sentence while we are alone." he said, "Not that it matters, anyway. Forget what I have said."

The statement made her wonder what sort of life Angelika had been living up until now. Had she been so submissive to have not said a word to the young boy? Or was she perhaps afraid of what the Abella family was capable of? It doesn't make sense for someone who was written in with the characteristic of being good with words to be silent. Perhaps the real Angelika didn't speak unless it was related to progressing Mari's plotline?

"I am happy that Master would care for me enough to notice," she said, smiling warmly.

A child with a temper is still a child, no? So perhaps she should try and be kind to him-

"Who would care about you?"

It took all of her energy not to hit him upside the head, her eyes rolling with his response once his back was turned.

"Regardless, thank you."

"Hn." he hummed out, staring at his paper. He returned his attention to his assignment, continuing with his work as she watched over.

Upon closer look, Angelika could see the corners of his lips curl slightly. It wasn't much of a smile, but it was close enough to one that showed he was pleased with their interaction. Perhaps he wasn't as bad as she had thought he was.

"What is your favorite subject, Master?"

"I do not have time to favor one over the other," he replied curtly. "But I suppose if I had to choose it would be math."

"They say that people who enjoy math are fairly intelligent and calculated. Perhaps you take after Sir Marshal?"

"Do you think so?" his voice sounded slightly strained, staring at her with an almost hopeful look in his eyes.

"I know so," she paused, thinking for a few moments, "Would Master like to take a break?"

"I am fine," he said, returning his attention to his paper. Angelika craned her neck to peek at the work that he was finishing.

Unsurprisingly, the basic level understanding of science and math was underdeveloped as compared to her modern-day knowledge. Mari most likely made it this way while writing, like many isekai, did for a more realistic time, which is somewhat of an advantage, despite her poor math skills back in her past life.

"You are smart, Master."

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

"I do not want to compliment you for a reward," she said fidgeting.

"Are you uncomfortable?"

"Not at all."

"You may sit," he said, motioning to the chair beside him. It made Francis wonder why she hadn't done so in the first place. Was she waiting for permission? "You don't need to be so nervous around me."

"Yes," Angelika said, sitting beside him. She wasn't so used to young children being so well-spoken. The children of this world mature fast.

"My eldest brother is returning soon."

"Is that so?"

"You are not interested?"

"Not particularly. I am teaching you, not your brother," she said honestly. She wasn't interested in meeting either of his brothers, especially when their youngest is such a terror to deal with. She couldn't begin to think what the other two would behave like.

Angelika watched the other continue his work, writing every so often as he thought of an answer. A comfortable silence falls over the two as she waits, but Francis turned to look at her suddenly.

"Are you interested in my brother?"

"I just said no, didn't I?" she responded, confused by the sudden outburst.

"Yes, but I wanted confirmation."

"For what, may I ask?"

"Many women come and go in this house in attempts to become higher rankings. Are you one of those people? Perhaps you are aiming for the crown prince because of our ties? Strangely, you have suddenly made your way to this house through the Penn family, which we do not need to cater to. Why are you here? What is your aim?"

"I am not that type of person," she said, appalled with his claims. What kind of twelve-year-old child speaks like this? She was frazzled by his sudden questions but attempted to answer honestly, " I wish to live a humble life without difficulty. Meddling with Sir Marshal or His Majesty would be the opposite of that effect. You are worrying too much, Master. I do not serve you with harbored intentions." she said.

Well, it was more like Angelika doesn't serve with harbored intentions anymore as of now.

"I see." an unfamiliar voice responded to her claims, ringing throughout the silence that had fallen over the two. She felt herself grow rigid in the chair, feeling uncomfortable with the aura that took over the entire room.

Should she even turn around...?