A series of melodious and pleasant melodies, like the lush branches and leaves of green trees in the early spring, grew out from deep within the house.
The captivating violin music slowly emerged from the interweaving of strings and bows, touching the most vulnerable places in the hearts of everyone present.
Turing perked up with interest, enjoying the music, and secretly thought that the person playing the violin probably had a similar level of musical accomplishment as himself.
"Nizi! Dinner's ready!"
"Coming, Uncle."
The music stopped, and two calls sounded from the nearby hall and kitchen, adding a lively atmosphere to the spacious house.
"Old man! Slice some more bread and ham, and bring out all the extra dishes. We have guests."
Mrs. Marian shouted towards the kitchen.
"Oh!"
Jose acknowledged the call and responded briefly.
"What kind of guest?"
After the sound of tidying up the instruments, a little girl with white hair appeared at the corner of the hallway, timidly poking her head out, curiously observing Turing and the others.
"This guest is quite special."
"You'll be very happy to see them."
Mrs. Marian stepped aside, revealing the adorable Turing behind her.
"Ta-da! Your idol."
Turing's lingering red figure, like the setting sun, matched the almost Oedipus-like aura surrounding her, leaving a deep imprint in the eyes of Yorkshire.
Every noble who met Turing had this impression: looking straight at Turing was like staring at the sun, and the burning energy she emitted seemed to leave an indelible mark in everyone's eyes.
"We meet again, Miss Yorkshire. The last time was at the college social, right?"
"You've become even more beautiful since then."
Turing casually uttered the words that nobles would say, which was considered a greeting.
However, Yorkshire, standing in front of her, was not as relaxed as Turing.
She already had a tendency to stutter when speaking, and being stimulated by Turing in this way made it even more difficult for her to speak.
"Wow, ah, wow..."
"Oh my, this is... unbelievable."
"It's really you!"
"Why, why is this so sudden! I wasn't prepared at all..."
"Is the person behind you... your rumored boyfriend?"
"I hope I won't be silenced for seeing these things..."
"Ah no, that's not important."
Yorkshire was clearly excited and unable to speak coherently.
But from her expression and body language, it was evident that she was overwhelmed because she adored Turing.
"What's important, important is..."
"Your Highness! Why are you here!"
"How can you endure coming to such a poor and rundown place... ah, that's not what I meant."
Seeing Mrs. Marian's twitching eyelid beside her, Yorkshire instantly realized that she misspoke and lowered her head in frustration.
"Yorkshire, go help the old man with the dishes. You can chat at the dining table later."
"Oh... "
Upon hearing Lady Marianne's instructions, Yorkshire reluctantly made his way to the kitchen.
"She really doesn't have any airs about her."
Merka scratched his cheek. Although he had seen many nobles in his lifetime, it was the first time he had encountered a noble being bossed around by a commoner.
"I am her teacher after all, and a teacher is like a parent for life."
Lady Marianne smiled proudly.
"Come, I'll show you to your seats."
Turing nodded and, together with Merka, was led by Lady Marianne to a long and square mahogany table. She elegantly pushed open the chairs and guided the two to sit down.
Initially, Lady Marianne wanted Turing and Merka to sit at opposite ends of the table as honored guests, but they declined the offer out of a desire to sit together.
"Would you like some wine? Or shall I pour you some milk?"
"I remember the official statement saying that Lady Altria is only thirteen years old."
Lady Marianne brought a cup in front of the two and asked gently.
"I cannot drink, not even a drop."
"She has a low alcohol tolerance."
Turing was about to speak, but Merka answered before her.
Thinking back to when she got drunk from a drink someone gave her at Red Port, Turing blushed and pouted.
Then, Turing spoke to Lady Marianne.
"Just call me Turing from now on. It's not like we're in a public place."
Lady Marianne smiled in acknowledgement and went to the kitchen to get some milk.
"What are you thinking about, silently?"
Turing noticed that Merka seemed to be lost in thought since entering the room and asked with concern.
"I am thinking about Mulan."
Merka responded after pondering for a moment, clearly not completely out of his own train of thought yet.
"Are you still saddened by what happened to Mulan?"
Turing asked gently, trying to console him, but received a slight shake of the head from Merka.
"Or... are you planning to carry on the legacy of the General?"
Merka had basically told Turing everything about the competition these past few days, including Mulan's tragic death.
"No, where did you get that idea?"
Merka smiled and flicked Turing's nose with his finger. Turing pouted unhappily in response.
"I can't possibly carry on the legacy of the General. They only joined the nobles' camp because they were powerless against Oedipus."
"But I will defeat Oedipus and clear the name of all Curseborn."
Jose, holding several plates of fried fish, arrived at the table and placed the dishes in front of the two.
He seemed to have heard the conversation between Merka and Turing and wanted to say something, but his hesitant expression ultimately gave way to silence. After hesitating for a few steps, he returned to the kitchen.
"What exactly are you thinking about Mulan then?"
Turing asked.
