Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

"Yes, papa." she replied to the empty room though it was nothing new.

Edward was a traditional man who did not speak much with her. When her mother was alive things were different. She spent the whole day talking with her and helping her with everything. She was the one who taught Evangeline everything. But unfortunately, she died at a young age. When Evangeline was just a 10 year old kid and now 8 years have passed and this month, it will be her 18th birthday.

Evangeline looked at the portrait on the wall where her mother was smiling while looking at her, a smile bloomed on her lips too, though her eyes turned wet.

She looked at the book in her hand and smiled as she spent the time reading it.

When the cuckoo started singing on her shoulder did she wake up with a start only to realize that she was sleeping on the chair in her room with her head resting on the table.

She smiled at the bird, jumped on her hair and settled there. She nestled closer to the bird and closed her eyes again when her eyes snapped open and she ran out of the door.

Her leg hit the side table and the flower vase almost fell when she held it in her hands. But that rough catch scratched her hands too.

Stumbling and limping, she reached her father's room. Only to see that the bed was already empty. She looked out of the window. It was still early, the sky was still red. She knew that she was not late, yet she knew that she was going to get scolded.

Edward came out after taking a bath, only to find Evangeline standing there like a statue. He did not want to be angry with her all the time, yet he could not help it. She was too clumsy and careless.

"I knew I could not depend on you. See, you must have forgotten again!" he scolded her in a cold tone.

"I am sorry, papa." was all she said.

"I do not want to ruin my mood and yours. I have a long journey to take. Go and prepare the breakfast and pack some bread for the journey." she nodded as his father moved and opened the bag she had prepared last night and checked everything. She wanted to tell me that the bag was arranged perfectly but she pursed her lips and walked out of the room.

She lit the dry woods she had collected and fanned the fire, until the spark turned into fire. She coughed as the smoke caressed her face, and turned the vessel on the fire. When the vegetables were getting cooked she cut the bread into pieces and packed them in a clean cloth.

Just when she filled the bowls with food, his father entered and sat on the table. Keeping his bag on the other chair.

"Do not be careless behind me Evangeline. Do not go out until needed and do not keep kids for more time than needed." he reminded her again and she nodded.

"Yes, papa. You do not need to worry. I will take care of the house well." she only got a sigh in return, dousing all her enthusiasm.

After finishing her breakfast, he left after giving a last look to her and the house. She stood there until her father could no longer be seen and then went in. Then she looked at her hands and knees which had minor scratches from the morning. She used the ointment and sat on the chair finishing her breakfast.

Cleaning the whole house, she walked to the attic only to hear the knock on the door. With a smile, she jumped on her feet and ran to open the door.

Ten bright eyes looked at her with a bright smile on their faces.

"Good morning teacher." wished all five kids in a chorus.

"Good morning dear, come in" all of them hopped cheerily in the house.

The kids climbed the stairs enthusiastically as she followed them, making sure that none of them fell as they walked less and ran more.

These kids are the only beings that keep her company all day or else she was sure she would go crazy being alone in this house all day.

"What are we going to play today, miss?" asked the boys as they blinked looking at her.

"I will teach you a new violin note I prepared last night." they all nodded and clapped with a peal of laughter.

Her hands danced on the strings as she continued the melancholic tone. Even the blew of winds felt teary as she continued to play.

"That was very sad! I do not want to play it." said a boy crossing his arms and shaking his head.

"Come on Ben, you know nobles like these kinds of songs, you can earn more money through it." said the other boy, elbowing the first.

Evangeline face down casted for a second. She has forgotten that the boys were not learning music for their passion like her. But it was a source of income for them. Most of them sing or play music on lanes or a few lucky one get a chance to play in the local theatre or bars and earn good money for their family, that is why they are here to learn in the first place.

Ben thought for a second and then nodded. They held their violins and copied her tone.

How much time had passed when they left her alone again.

Walking down she went to her back garden where she had planted all the necessary fruits and vegetables for her. Plucking some eggplant and turnips. She spent the rest of her day planting more flowers and plants. Only when her stomach grumbled did she stop. When she stood up the sky was already turning dark. Her clothes and hands were covered in mud and she was sure her whole face was covered with mud too.

She stood up only to hear the knock on the door.