A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 455

When the group finally reached the mountaintop, the sky was awash with the colors of dawn.

Looking up, they saw the woods cloaked in a gentle, rosy light, the

morning sun spilling through the trees so beautifully that it looked like a painting.

Unfortunately, none of them had the energy left to appreciate the view. The village chief had been rallying them with forced optimism since their first meeting, insisting time and again that they were “almost there”-so many times, in fact, they’d lost count.

This time, though, he was actually telling the truth: they really were almost there.

The narrow path was full of dips and bumps, but not a single person complained. At this point, everyone shared the same thought: at least there were no more hills to climb. Who cared about a few potholes, as long as they didn’t have to hike another slope? After that ordeal, they would have done just about anything.

Of course, none of them realized that this was just the beginning. For the next three months of their teaching fellowship, they’d have to climb that mountain every single day-sometimes more than once.

They followed the winding footpath to its end, flanked on either side by vegetable patches tended by villagers. At the end of the road stood a large boulder with the words “Hillside Village” carved into it, marking their arrival,

But inside the village, there was none of the bustle they’d imagined. It was quiet, almost deserted, with only the occasional breeze rustling through the empty lane.

village chief explained, spotting their confusion before anyone could voice it. “We’ve set up some tables

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Chapter 455

own homes,

now.”

afraid I have to ask you to hang in there just a bit longer. Once we’ve had some food, I’ll have someone from the village take each of you

rooms in the village, so after some discussion, the families with better conditions had all agreed to offer up their guest rooms. With so many newcomers, each person would be staying with a different household, though thankfully the homes were all close together. “Ma’am, I heard from the chief that Ms. Morton would

eager to have

I’m the only Morton here,” Alessia replied, gently brushing a stray

they’d be staying. Before long, each child had found the teacher who’d be sharing their home, while a few whose houses were a little more run-down stood quietly off

spot at the end of

reached the door, they saw smoke curling from the chimney and heard the lively buzz of conversation from inside, punctuated

have brought the teachers!” someone called

down what they were doing, wiping their hands on their aprons

be taking you to the school tomorrow.” The chief gestured to a kind-faced

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