I Believe You Can Do It
"Good girl, you have ambition. The world outside is vast and full of wonders. Only by venturing far can one's horizons truly broaden." Lily Evans smiled, looking at the spirited young Cecilia with pride. Cecilia was bright, eager to learn, and always ranked first in her class. She was bold and poised, and Lily thought that in modern times, Cecilia would make an excellent diplomat—a truly promising seedling.
Lily Evans was delighted by the children's visit. She kept them at Prince Leonard's Manor for a meal and even had Bella Bell pack up plenty of snacks and dried meat for Cecilia and the others to take back and share with the children at the Prince's Country House.
The manor sent a carriage to take several children home, and Lily Evans watched them go, feeling an intense reluctance to part.
These children were raised under her guidance. From knowing nothing to now being able to write and communicate fluently in a foreign language, their growth was step by step, all witnessed and cherished by Lily Evans. Watching these carefully nurtured saplings grow day by day filled her heart with an indescribable sense of accomplishment.
Now that Lily Evans was expecting, her energy was limited. She knew she wouldn’t be able to personally teach the children anymore and planned to invite friends recommended by Edward to serve as their teachers.
Although teaching fewer students at the Prince's Country House meant life would be much easier, Lily Evans still felt reluctant to let go.
She was especially fond of those energetic children from the mountains, who had endured hardship since childhood and truly understood the value of a hard-won education—and the importance of gratitude.
After sending the children off, Lily Evans yawned, feeling a bit tired.
She didn’t have any severe early pregnancy symptoms—just the occasional bout of nausea. Mostly, she felt groggy and wanted to sleep all the time.
"Lola." Lily Evans curled up on the couch, cozily burrowing under the covers, and called Lola over.
Lola stood quietly by Lily Evans's side, watching her closely.
Lily Evans studied Lola and said, "Lola, I'm pregnant. For the next few months, while my belly isn't showing, I can still teach at the academy and handle daily affairs. But once I can't hide it anymore, I won't be able to go to the academy as Dean Lily Evans."
Lola gasped softly, looking at Lily Evans.
Lily Evans continued, "Lola, I need you to grow quickly. You’re already able to teach some basic classes under my guidance, and I hope that in the next few months, you’ll be able to teach independently, take the lead, and manage academy affairs. Of course, for major decisions, you can come home and discuss them with me, but for everyday matters, you need to be able to handle things yourself."
Lola’s face showed her uncertainty. "Princess, I... can I really do it?"
"Lola, you can do it. I believe in you, and you need to believe in yourself too." Lily Evans gave Lola an encouraging look. "You’re already teaching well as a teaching assistant, and you’ve almost mastered the advanced mathematics I’ve taught you in private. When the advanced class starts in the second half of the year, you’ll be able to teach it on your own. You’ve always helped me with the academy’s affairs, and I truly believe that even without me, you’ll manage just fine."
Lola bit her lip, meeting Lily Evans’s trusting gaze. Suddenly, a sense of mission welled up inside her.
She knew that only she could take up Lily Evans’s responsibilities at the Mathematics Academy. As Lily’s pregnancy progressed, she wouldn’t be able to appear at the academy, but the academy couldn’t stop running just because Lily Evans was absent—too many students’ futures depended on it.
Lola had always followed Lily Evans, watching Belle, April, and Mrs. Penny each take on major responsibilities. Only she had yet to achieve anything, serving merely as a close bodyguard. Suddenly, Lola felt it was time for her to step up—and now was her best chance to prove her worth.