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On the day they visited the Duke of Averil’s estate, Letticia and Seraphina were in a carriage together, discussing how to persuade the Duke.
"I think we need to make it clear that learning proper etiquette is Lady Averil’s own will. If the Duke really loves his daughter as much as the rumors say, he’ll listen."
"That might be the hardest part. He claims everything is for Lady Averil’s sake, yet he strangely doesn’t listen to a word she says."
"If he’s not listening to her, then how is that supposed to be for her benefit?"
Letticia replied with, "Exactly," and took a cup of water from a maid who was riding with them. Thinking about the bothersome task ahead made her crave something sweet, but since they’d likely have tea at the Duke’s estate anyway, she figured she could have some there.
Seeing Letticia’s attitude, Seraphina sighed and spoke seriously.
"The Duke’s parenting style doesn’t seem based on any firm principles. It appears he relies more on his emotions. I’ve read about such cases in educational books, but it’s the first time I’ve seen one in real life… so I’m unsure what to do."
"You’ve read educational books?"
"Yes. To properly teach the duties and values of a true noble, you need to understand proper educational methods too. Plus, books in the capital are more varied than those in the West, so I spent my free time reading them whenever I wasn’t attending social events."
"Ah… You’re amazing."
Since most of the books Letticia read were novels, all she could do was express admiration. Seraphina, however, continued speaking without any change in expression, as if such studying was only natural.
"In those books, it says the most important thing is making the guardian realize that their way of raising a child isn’t actually for the child’s benefit. But that’s the hardest part. Few people can immediately accept that what they’ve been doing all along is wrong."
"And even if we told him that, he wouldn’t accept it. He’d just say, ‘What do you know about Lady Averil?’ and brush us off."
"Right. That’s why I think it’s important for Lady Averil herself to speak directly. If she says it over and over again, maybe the Duke will understand she truly means it."
"They might just keep talking past each other… but even so, that’s probably the best approach."
In the religion of Ariette supremacy, Ariette’s words are considered gospel. No matter how fanatically those followers interpret the gospel in their own way, they can’t completely ignore it.
Letticia believed this as she stepped down from the carriage in front of the Duke’s mansion.
Since they had made an appointment in advance, they were immediately guided to the reception room of the Duke’s main residence, where the Duke, Alexander, Achilles, and Ariette were already gathered.
"Lady Eskis, Lady Sharon, welcome!"
"Thank you for inviting us, Lady Averil. Good afternoon to you as well, Duke, Sir Averil, Sir Achilles."
After exchanging greetings, a maid brought out tea and set a cup in front of each person.
Once everyone had a cup, Ariette looked at Letticia and Seraphina and asked in a clear but polite voice
"I’ve prepared Cream White Opera, Arenne, and Brie. Which tea would you like?"
"I’ll have Arenne, without milk."
"I’ll have the Cream White Opera, with milk, please."
"Certainly!"
Ariette confidently added the tea leaves into two separate teapots and poured hot water over them. Watching her, the Duke turned to Seraphina and spoke.
"I realize I haven’t yet thanked you for teaching my daughter etiquette and refinement while staying at the duchy. But I hope we aren’t burdening you even in a social gathering like this."
"It’s no burden at all. Since we’ve pledged friendship, if we can contribute to the Lady’s growth, we too can take joy in that friendship."
Her words, calm yet assertive, prompted Alexander to speak with his usual mask-like smile.
"As you know, my sister has always been too busy studying to make friends. We are grateful for the kindness shown by Lady Eskis and Lady Sharon. However, unlike you two who are active in the social world, Arie is serving in an official capacity. Therefore, isn’t it unnecessary for her to learn the etiquette that’s only relevant in society?"
"I think there’s been a misunderstanding, my lord. Etiquette is not just for social events, it’s a set of mutually agreed rules that help people avoid offending one another, and a guideline so that one may treat others without shame. A noble who hasn’t learned such manners might as well walk around in public naked."
Letticia almost whistled at the bold comparison, but Alexander, as if his mask had been upgraded, maintained his unbroken smile.
"Forgive me, Lady, but it seems you may be misunderstanding something as well. We have taught Arie all the manners necessary for dealing with people. We simply believe there’s no need to burden her with the customs and unspoken rules of high society."
"But currently, the only person who could serve as the hostess of House Averil is Lady Ariette. Even if she doesn't officially debut in society, she would still need to welcome guests. In those situations, understanding social etiquette is crucial. To avoid awkwardness in such moments, she needs to learn from now."
"If Arie does not wish to, there’s no need to force her. We can take care of welcoming guests ourselves."
"So, if an unmarried debutante visits, you plan to greet her yourself? That wouldn’t be appropriate, would it?"
Alexander calmly shook his head at Letticia’s pointed remark.
"You two are exceptions, as Arie’s friends, you were granted an audience. But unless Arie debuts, we won’t be receiving visits from unmarried debutantes. Besides, we rarely host guests at the duchy since we are not very active in the social scene."
"I see. So if one or both of you get married, then your wives will take over as hostesses, and Lady Averil won't need to learn anything?"
"If you already knew that, I don’t see the point in continuing this conversation."
At that, Ariette looked upset and spoke to her brother.
"Brother… Even so, I want to observe proper etiquette when visiting other families. Even if Countess Sharon’s family doesn't say anything about my lack of manners… I still feel embarrassed."
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Arie. If anyone criticizes you, they’re the ones at fault. Just be proud and hold your head high."
Hearing Achilles’s attempt at comfort, Seraphina glared at him with clear frustration.
"Sir Achilles, I understand you care about your sister, but this isn’t something that can be resolved by pride alone. If she enjoys the privileges of nobility in the Empire of Ponteon, she must also bear the responsibilities and expectations that come with it. If she gives up the dignity expected of nobles, how can she expect to be seen as one?"
"Those who nitpick someone’s etiquette are the ones lacking dignity. Just speaking a bit more politely or gracefully doesn’t make one noble."
"But blaming others for pointing out your mistakes when you don’t follow etiquette yourself? That’s nonsense. It’s like breaking the law and then yelling at the guard who arrests you."
As Letticia, who had been watching from the side, joined in and added her thoughts, Ariette nodded in agreement.
"She’s right. If I do something wrong and make people uncomfortable, I can’t just say ‘why are they upset?’ That’s not fair."
"Don’t say things like that! You did nothing wrong!"
He turned toward Ariette, visibly upset. Alexander’s expression stiffened, and he seemed nervous, while the Duke looked as if he wanted to slam his fist on the table, clenching it tightly.
The sudden change in their mood startled Seraphina, who leaned back instinctively. But Letticia simply watched the three of them closely.
'You haven’t done anything wrong… Is the fact that she still talks like that a sign she’s traumatized?'
During the time she was abused by Marchioness Irma and her governess, Ariette had lived hearing that everything was her fault. She became so used to it that the words turned into a habit.
It supposedly took nearly five years for her to finally stop saying "It’s all my fault" every time something happened.
For her family, those words must have become a painful reminder of the time they had turned a blind eye to her suffering.
'So Ariette can never admit she did anything wrong? No matter what happens, she always has to be right and innocent?'
If Ariette makes a mistake due to her lack of etiquette, then it must be the other person’s fault for being offended. Ariette must always be correct, justifiable, and the victim, so her family can protect her. Only then can they feel like they’re saving the little sister they once ignored from the bad people who hurt her.
'The ones with the more serious trauma… are these people.'
She let out a sigh, unable to hide her disbelief.
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2 Comments
Ugh, they are so frustrating. I hope they can resolve this soon and we can see Ez again
ReplyDeleteIf the Averil duchy had a theme song, it would be "March of the Gladiators," because the place is a circus and those men are clowns
ReplyDelete