DDSWTB 49

Chapter 49

“Now, I’ll give you about thirty minutes. Please solve as many problems as you can during that time.”

Thirty minutes, huh.

“Understood.”

“Then, you may begin.”

At his signal, I turned the paper over and looked at the problems.

Wait—aren’t these elementary school–level math questions? Things like total quantities and speed problems. This is easy. I guess he prepared questions suited for my age.

Tiana began solving them smoothly.

But before long, there was something strange. The difficulty level of some of the problems was clearly off.

This one’s high school level.
Did the tutor include hard problems on purpose? Or maybe, in this world, math is just generally more advanced.

Unfortunately for him, I can solve it. But if I do, it might seem strange for someone my age.

I shouldn’t solve this one.
I’ll just pretend to be thinking hard.

“That’s enough.”

Tiana handed over the test she had been working on.

“Starting next time, we’ll begin formal lessons. Please bring a pen and something to write on.”

“Thank you very much for today.”

Once the lesson ended, Mr. Andrium left the room without grading the papers.

I had even written a few wrong answers on purpose to avoid suspicion. I’d look like I’m above average, but not exceptionally bright.

That’s fine by me.

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Andrium went to the Duke’s study to give his report.

“Excuse me.”

“Your report on Tiana.”

Andrium handed the Duke a sheet summarizing Tiana’s knowledge level.

“First, I conducted an intelligence test. However, I don’t believe the results are accurate.”

“Why not?”

“I suspect that Lady Tiana is deliberately hiding her true ability.”

“Oh?”

“Much like Lord Gilbert, perhaps she wishes to avoid standing out. Please take a look at this.”

Andrium showed the Duke the test Tiana had taken earlier.

“She answered about half correctly on both the easy and difficult questions. However, even the easier ones couldn’t be solved without a solid education. Yet, I heard that Lady Tiana has not received much formal tutoring in the past.”

(That’s true. Tiana has had private tutors before, but she dismissed at least three of them, saying they didn’t suit her. I had assumed she simply wasn’t good at academics.)

“This is speculation, but I believe Lady Tiana may actually be quite intelligent.”

“…I see.”

(Tiana has indeed seemed different lately—unfamiliar, somehow. What changed? There’s always a reason behind such things.)

“That concludes my report.”

“Well done. Continue reporting regularly.”

“As you wish.”

Once his report was finished, Andrium left the room.

“Vice. Investigate Tiana’s recent behavior and the people around her once more.”

“As you command.”

“Don’t you think… perhaps I owe Lady Tiana an apology?”

“…You may be right.”

(Honestly, Duke, it’s about time you admitted it. Lady Tiana isn’t the same as before. Instead of doubting her, you should apologize for everything that’s happened.)

Vice thought to himself.