"Uncle Arathorn, I need your help," Allynna said.
"Tell me, what is it?"
"I don't know how long I will stay in the capital, so I need your help to look after my house for a while. After my matter is finished, I will come back soon."
Arathorn Pearcy frowned.
"Aren't you going to continue your studies at Bells Royal University?" He was confused. Why would she come back to this island again? There is no university on this island.
"I do. But because my parents are gone, I'm not sure if I can continue my studies or go to the best university in the capital." She was too fearful to imagine her future. The cost to enter the best universities in the capital must be very expensive.
Now, she does not have money to pay for her studies. The money left by her parents will be used for her daily needs, not for her study. She already has plans in mind. She will skip her classes at university for a year, then work on this island, saving money and entering university by next year.
...
Allynna saw Uncle Arathorn stand up from the sofa and walk to his office table. He is looking for something on his desk. Not long after, he returned. In his hand, he carried two thick envelopes.
"Take this..." He handed the envelope to Allynna.
"Uncle Arathorn, what is this?"
"I haven't had the chance to give it to you yet. I received this letter a week after your parents' accident. That's an invitation letter for you to study at Bells Royal University. You got a full scholarship."
"R-Really? How? How can I get it?" Allynna couldn't believe what she just heard. She immediately opened the envelope.
"Have you forgotten that you won a gold medal at the Math Olympiad? The winner receives a full scholarship to enter Bells Royal University. You got the scholarship, little Ally..."
She was utterly speechless. How could she forget about this? What Uncle Arathorn said is true; she got a full scholarship at the best university in the empire.
A university that is only for noble families. An ordinary person like her could only enter the university using a special invitation like the one she held in her hand.
"I completely forgot—" Allynna slapped her forehead lightly before saying, "Uncle, thank you so much." She said, her voice sounds much better.
Because what had been bothering her for the past few days suddenly faded. She felt so relieved. Finally, she could continue her studies in the Capital without having to think about her education fees.
Arathorn Pearcy felt happy seeing Allynna smile again. It's been a while since the last time he saw that joyful face.
"Little Ally, you don't have to worry about your house here. Uncle will take care of it for you. If you miss your parents, you can come anytime to visit their graves. You must remember that Sarlun Island is your hometown. So, you have to come back whenever you want. You understand what Uncle said, right?"
"Yes, Uncle. I understand!"
Arathorn handed Allynna another envelope, which contained a death certificate of her parents, and information all of her parents' assets: house, car, and other property. There are also awards given by the school because her father is one of the senior teachers in the school. And also money for her mother from the hospital where her mother worked.
Allynna held tightly to the brown envelope that felt heavy in her hands. Her heart was shaking. She felt sad because what was inside the brown envelope resulted from her parents' hard work.
She thought she didn't deserve all that, especially since she knew she was only their adopted child. Now, she feels puzzled.
"Little Ally, don't be sad..." As if knowing what this young girl was thinking, Arathorn felt sympathy and said, "You have the right to accept everything your parents left behind. Use all of that to continue studying. You have to fulfill all your dreams. Your parents will be happy from up there if you succeed..."
Allynna can't hold her tears anymore. She cried silently. Her body feels shaking. Second, she received a handkerchief from Uncle Arathorn.
"Little Ally, from now on, you must think of me, my wife, and Lizzy as your family—" Arathorn said sincerely. He once promised in front of his best friend's dead body that he would take care of Allynna until she grew older and independent.
Allynna couldn't say a single sentence. She was sad but, at the same time, grateful for Uncle Arathorn and his family's kindness. It helps her through the grieving times in the first two weeks of her parent's sudden departure.
After feeling better...
She thanked Uncle Arathorn once again for his kindness because he helped take care of all the funeral processes for her parents. He also helps her with all the legal documents of her residence, banking, and others.
Arathorn just smiled, hearing Little Ally thank him so sincerely deep down in his heart. He couldn't entirely accept Allynna's gratitude because the one who took care of everything about the document was the young man earlier, Lord Eleon. Even now, that man has become Allynna's legal Guardian.
However, he kept his mouth shut because Lord Eleon told him to keep it a secret.
"Little Ally, you can go back now. School is over. Looks like your friends have gone home..."
Allynna had just realized she had been in the principal's office all afternoon. She quickly said goodbye to him and left the room.
...
As soon as she left the principal's office. She saw her best friend, Lizzy, standing in the corner.
"What's wrong, Allynna? Why did you take so long in my father's office?" Lizzy asked as she handed Allynna's school bag.
Allynna received her school bag but didn't answer her right away. She walked towards the gates, and Lizzy followed her.
"Your father told me about the scholarship I got from Bells Royal University. We're talking about the documents I need for re-enrollment." She glances at Lizzy, who walks beside her. "What about you, Liz? Have you told your parents that you don't want to be a teacher as they want you to be?"
Lizzy's step abruptly stops. Her face suddenly looked gloomy before saying, "A-Ally, can you help me?"