NOVEL NEXT Chapter 213
Of course, that was my intention.
In fact, I’m not going to present flowers, but to check the Squire family’s arcane magic book.
“Yes. I plan to enter the imperial palace with the flowers I’ll personally deliver.”
At that moment, Libby, who had been quietly listening to the conversation while munching on snacks, interjected with a worried face. “His Majesty specifically instructed us to bring only the most beautiful flowers. Madame, do you think these flowers are flawless?”
Libby had never met the emperor before. However, from Raul’s constant badmouthing, she had gathered that the emperor was picky, emotional, prone to nitpicking, extremely sensitive, rough, and violent. Therefore, she understood the emperor’s requirement for ‘the most beautiful flowers’ as a pretext for fault-finding.
Madame Shati slightly widened her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand, a graceful gesture to calm her surprise. “His Majesty specifically instructed Lady Theresa to bring only the most beautiful flowers?”
When Libby and I nodded in unison, Madame Shati paused for a moment before letting out a small laugh. “Then it’s an incredibly easy problem to solve. Lady Theresa just needs to dress up beautifully.”
Ding!
[The Constellation ‘Pure Child’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]
[See? I told you so. >____<]
I frowned in confusion and asked seriously, “Does that mean His Majesty is suggesting to dress up elegantly…?”
As I tilted my head in confusion, Madame Shati’s laughter grew louder. “My goodness, Lady Theresa! And Lady Libby too… Madam Squire must have had her hands full teaching her two daughters.”
“…??”
Libby and I exchanged puzzled glances, still not understanding.
Ding!
[The Constellation ‘Fact Is Violence’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]
[Like creator, like creation]
Ding!
[The Constellation ‘Haha Boss’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]
[Tears of joy can also come when happy…]
Madame Shati, with a smile, tinged with laughter, seemed to struggle with how to explain further. “I prefer not to be too direct, but it seems you ladies might not understand if I beat around the bush. His Majesty was probably considering Lady Theresa as a candidate for ‘the flower of the social season’ when he mentioned that.”
I’m being considered as the flower of the social season?
Eloise never mentioned such news.
Eloise was a character in the game who informed the player about their reputation status and the news around them. She had access to a wide network of information, but I hadn’t heard anything about the flower of the social season.
Madame Shati added, “The imperial family pays attention around this time every year to who will be the flower of the social season, especially since His Majesty is still unmarried.”
So that’s what it was.
In other words, it wasn’t a widely spread rumor yet, but the imperial family was evaluating me as a candidate.
If Euges mentioned bringing the most beautiful flowers with that in mind, doesn’t that make the situation more serious?
No matter how I thought about it, it seemed like Euges was mocking me.
“Wouldn’t he dislike it more if I dress up too well…?”
Wouldn’t that make me look like I’m too eager to become the empress?
Madame Shati shook her head. “His Majesty has been surrounded by the finest things all his life. He has a discerning taste, so it’s best to dress as well as possible.”
Indeed. In the empress route, wearing the highest quality dresses and accessories was one of the key conditions.
I somewhat understood, but Libby still blinked, not fully grasping the conversation. Madame Shati, noticing her confusion, smiled softly and advised, “It might be difficult for Lady Libby to understand. However, showing that you don’t understand on your face is not advisable. Honesty is a virtue, but in society, it can be a weakness.”
“…! I’ll be careful.”
As Libby stiffened her posture and corrected her expression, Madame Shati waved her hand. “No need to be so stiff. It’s just a word of caution. You’ll be facing a tremendous number of nobles at this summer’s ball, so it’s better to be prepared.”
Raul and Roseanne were lenient with their children. They accepted their children’s unique personalities as long as they were not too problematic. In fact, they hardly felt the need to correct their behavior since they weren’t of a class that needed to please others. That’s why Theresa ended up being quite a troublemaker, and Giuseppe’s rebellious nature started to stir. However, Madame Shati had spent her life teaching young ladies etiquette. While she recognized our free-spiritedness as charming, she hoped we wouldn’t lose our dignity.
“I’ve stopped teaching young ladies, but out of habit, I ended up advising you. I hope you don’t take my words the wrong way.”
Libby and I shook our heads.
“It was very valuable advice.”
“It must be hard to accept as a lady of your status, but thank you for understanding.”
“I believe a lady should maintain her dignity through high-quality education. That’s how one can set an example.”
Madame Shati seemed deeply moved by my words. “It’s not easy for young ladies these days to think that way… If both of you are okay with it, I’d like to teach you some etiquette, even if it’s just the basics.”
That was exactly what I wanted. I signaled to Libby with my eyes.
You get it, right?
Libby nodded slightly. Being taught by Madame Shati was an opportunity with tremendous influence in society, an opportunity we couldn’t refuse considering our future.
“It’s an honor to receive teaching from Madame Shati, which not everyone can have.”
Madame Shati smiled contentedly at my response. “Good. Then let’s start by discussing how to manage the administrative aspects of a household.”
“Yes!”
One hour later.
“That’s why it’s crucial to properly recognize and select the right servants. Servant interviews are…”
Two hours later.
“Lately, the recommendation letters for sending servants to other households have been terribly written. The original format is like this…”
Three hours later.
“For the current social season, when inviting guests, the recommended courses for a formal dinner are…”
Four hours later.
“The placement of vases and the combination of flowers can determine one’s taste. Sometimes, they can convey a secret message…”
I tried my best to appear interested in the conversation, but I began to feel increasingly dazed. I think I even dozed off with my eyes open at one point.
“Although a noble’s child is raised by a nanny and tutors, there are roles that parents must fulfill.”
However, Madame Shati, seemingly excited, began to teach us how to educate a child.
Ding!
[The Constellation ‘Please Stop’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]
[I’m going crazy; it’s been 5 hours of continuous lectures.]
It had already been 5 hours… No wonder the flowers in the vase seemed to have wilted a bit.
It wasn’t just me finding this lesson torturous. Libby, sitting opposite me, had lifeless eyes like a dead fish. Then our eyes met.
Is this right?
Libby sent me a questioning gaze filled with intense doubt, and I inadvertently averted my eyes.
Technically, this education wasn’t necessary unless I intended to become the empress.
“Make sure to take notes on this part. I should also teach you how to write invitations at this opportunity.”
Libby’s empty gaze staring at me was a bit frightening… And finally.
“Oh gosh, it’s already this late.” Madame Shati was surprised to see the day had turned to night. “There’s still so much I want to teach.”
I quickly intervened, fearing Madame Shati might offer to teach us more and suggest we stay overnight. “The lessons you’ve shared so far have already provided us with many insights, Madame.”
Libby quickly agreed. “It would be improper to covet more of your precious teachings. We’re truly satisfied with what we’ve learned.”
Madame Shati smiled satisfiedly at our responses. “It was a pleasure to meet such dignified young ladies after a long time. I look forward to seeing how you’ll do in society.”
Ding!
[The skill <Intermediate Etiquette> has been upgraded to <Advance Etiquette.>]
Oh, my etiquette level has increased?
It was the first time my skill level had increased this way.
Was it influenced by Madame Shati’s reputation?
Libby and I repeatedly thanked her for her teachings and hurriedly boarded the carriage, pretending to be regretful.
“
Haaaah
.” As soon as the carriage door closed, we both sighed simultaneously.
Libby, with a dazed expression, blankly stared into space and asked me, “Sister, did you bring me along because you didn’t want to learn alone?”
It was a chilling question.
“Absolutely not. Do you know how important it is in society to have been taught by Madame Shati?”
“Really…?”
“Of course. This was all for your own good.”
However, the skeptical look in her eyes did not fade easily.