02: Let’s Learn About This World

 

With so many questions still unanswered, preparations for Mother’s funeral went ahead in a blur, and she was laid to rest, mourned by many of the people of the territory.

Mother’s death had left not only me, but Father, my brothers, and the servants dispirited. I supposed this was the sort of thing people meant when they said it was as though a light had gone out.

I tried to visit Father and the others as often as possible and spend time with them.

Ashley was everyone’s darling, after all!

I also thought spending time together would help me understand this family and this world better.

My old self tended to slip out when I spoke, so I tried not to say too much. But simply being together reassured me, and seemed to reassure them too. Two birds with one stone.

If I was being honest, though, I was simply lonely…

After all, now that Mother’s