Chapter 17
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Etiquette Lessons
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"You need to keep your head up there."
Yelena's stern, no-nonsense tone had me lifting my chin on instinct.
"Ow, you're shaking your head again, and the teacup's about to fall off."
"With my sense of balance, this much is nothing."
"Etiquette isn't about your balance. Now, no more backtalk—lift your head right now."
With that, Yelena carefully grasped my chin with her fingers and tilted it upward.
A faint smile tugged at her lips—she was clearly enjoying this.
How did it come to this?
But I wasn't in a position to protest too loudly.
Why? Because I was the one in a hurry.
I was the one who needed to prepare for my private meeting with Count Kreuz in a few days.
And with time running short, she was the only one around who could teach me.
Just to be sure, I'd asked Alf.
[...Is there no other etiquette tutor available?]
[Heh heh. Everyone else fled from our northern climate, my lord.]
[......]
He'd shot me down without even pretending to think it over, his kindly smile unwavering, so asking again felt awkward.
And on top of that, he hadn't even defended her.
[Lady Yelena once taught etiquette to the young ladies of other houses. She's more than qualified to instruct you, my lord.]
Coming from Alf, who was far more versed in such matters than I was... I had no choice but to go along with it.
And so, Yelena's strict lessons had been underway since yesterday.
"Next up is how to eat bean dishes. When boiled beans are served, don't scoop them straight up with your spoon—instead, rest your knife to the side and spear them one by one with your fork."
"I'll just tell the kitchen not to serve beans..."
"Tch! Are you going to keep this up? What if some house invites you and serves beans?"
"Then I just won't eat them."
"Tsk!"
God.
Yelena had this habit of firing off tch, tsk, hey whenever she caught me slipping—like she'd been waiting for it.
As if to say, Gotcha.
She's not a kid.
Well, technically, she was barely twenty... so maybe she was.
But still, an adult was an adult.
Regardless, despite her teasing, I was gradually getting the hang of etiquette.
The plate I'd nearly dropped a dozen times now balanced steadily on my head, and I could spear beans with a fork without incident.
...Come to think of it, do male nobles practice balancing plates on their heads too?
I'd only seen ladies doing it in stories, so it felt off.
But whatever—if the teacher said she'd done this before, I'd trust her.
"I think that's enough for today, Your Highness."
"Phew... Got it."
But etiquette? Way harder than it looked.
I'd rather go subjugate monsters. At least then I could move freely.
Especially in Cassius's body... this is pure torture.
Cassius's frame was built for battle, not the precise, flexible movements etiquette demanded.
"Tomorrow, I'll teach you walking in hallways and proper seating posture, so be ready. And..."
She'd barely finished today's lesson before chattering on about tomorrow's curriculum.
That's when I saw her stumble—maybe a misstep.
Thud!
"Eek! Ah...?"
"You okay?"
I rushed over, caught her before she fell, and checked for any sprains.
The last thing I needed was a swollen ankle.
"...Hic."
Yelena, who'd ended up practically in my arms from the catch, suddenly hiccuped.
...Aha.
I could guess why.
She'd been lecturing me nonstop about watching my step, only to nearly trip herself. Must be embarrassing.
Perfect timing—I'd been itching for payback.
"Looks like you could use some practice on your footing too, Yelena Astria."
"...W-What? It was just a mistake!"
"Sure it was. If you're not hurt, stand up straight. Unless..."
I smirked and added,
"You like being in my arms?"
"...!!"
Her face flushed crimson as she flailed away from me.
Then she practically stomped out of the room in a huff.
"Heh heh."
Once she was gone, I couldn't hold back the laughter anymore.
Thankfully, no one was around to see, so I laughed freely.
Ah, that felt good.
One solid hit on Yelena—I might not sleep tonight from the satisfaction.
Serves her right for trying to mess with me.
I left the room with lighter steps than yesterday.
"Hey, did you hear? Lady Yelena came rushing out of the lesson room, face all red... from teaching the master!"
"And then the master came out laughing...? No way...!"
"They kissed or something?! Kyaa!"
The etiquette issue was sorted, but the mansion's upkeep was another problem.
No one with the flair to spruce up this dreary place.
Alf had promised to look into it, but it looked like a bust.
Well, that's traditionally the Grand Duchess's job.
The Grand Duke managed the entire duchy; his wife handled the family estate.
But right now, Cassius had just snapped out of his mania, and he had neither wife nor fiancée...
Speaking of which, as Grand Duke, he needs a wife.
This wasn't about what I wanted.
It was mandatory. Without one, the Winterguard family and duchy were done for.
We were barely holding on with the Yelena rumors for now, but once she left, we'd have to find someone.
"Hmm..."
Actually, one option came to mind.
Hand the mansion management to Yelena on a temporary basis.
Simple reason: She was the most suitable person here.
But is it fair to pile that on her too?
She was already handling my etiquette lessons.
And we'd tacked on the glass garden as a bonus.
Now mansion management on top?
That was a full workload.
She was basically a guest, not staff.
But dragging our feet meant greeting guests in an empty shell of a house...
"...I'll just ask for her advice."
Not full responsibility—just consult her on spots needing her unique touch.
That shouldn't feel like overloading her.
And the real work...
"Alf can handle that."
He'd kept the place running through Cassius's episodes. Perfect fit.
Plus, it was payback for assigning her as my tutor.
I had Alf pass along an invite for dinner together.
Come to think of it, this'll be our first meal side by side.
We'd always eaten separately, at different times and places.
I preferred solo meals anyway, so it felt odd.
But something... the dining room seemed dimmer than usual.
Looking closer, all the bright lamps were off, replaced by soft candlelight scattered around.
What's this?
Creeeak.
"Lady Yelena has arrived."
...Why's it all dolled up like this?
Yelena appeared, more dressed up than during morning lessons—and visibly tense.
Were northerners just naturally chatty with lightning-fast gossip?
Yelena's head spun as she realized rumors of her flustered exit from the lesson room had already spread.
But she lacked the energy to deny it.
Because in her mind, it'd been the equivalent of a kiss!
An e-embrace...!
Was it because it had been ages since she'd taught anyone? Or had all her teasing loosened her up too much?
She'd tripped by accident, and Cassius had caught her.
Not just caught—practically pulled her into his arms!
"I-It was a mistake..."
Eyes wide, Yelena fanned her burning face and repeated it like a mantra.
Just blocking an accident during lessons. Nothing more, nothing less.
...That smile he gave me! He was just laughing at how ridiculous I looked!
Yeah, that made sense.
Because watching unflappable Cassius squirm under her jabs had been hilarious.
She'd teased him so mercilessly, it'd only be fair.
As she brainwashed herself, Lucia knocked and entered.
Then, in her usual flat tone, she said,
"The master invites you to join him for dinner tonight."
"...Huh?"
Dinner. Together?
Why...?
Yelena, who'd just sorted her thoughts, plunged back into chaos.
They always ate separately—why today of all days?
What plunged her deeper into misunderstanding and confusion was none other than Lucia.
"I'll do your makeup extra nice today."
"W-Why...?"
"Why? So you look pretty for the master."
"Uh, w-well."
"That's why the other girls are helping out too."
"Lady Yelena! We'll make you gorgeous!"
"Good thing we grabbed that dress ahead of time!"
"Your lovely hair looks best braided up, not loose!"
"Uh, uhhh..."
Overwhelmed by the sudden maid invasion, Yelena surrendered her body to them.
The maids giggled as they earnestly dolled her up.
In the limited time before dinner, they poured their all into it.
Yelena, who'd handled her own makeup amid her family's debts... found the whole thing terribly awkward.
Soon enough, the maids stepped back.
"All done!"
"You're stunning!"
"No wonder the master fell for you!"
Bombarded by effortless praise, Yelena hesitated before checking the mirror.
...She was far more beautiful than the self she'd seen in years.
The simple yet elegant northern dress and matching makeup elevated her grace and beauty.
Looking every bit the northern noble lady by birth, Yelena unwittingly pictured herself at Cassius's side.
Guided by the maids to the dining hall.
The atmosphere was subtly solemn, soft.
Candles emitting gentle light were placed everywhere, enhancing the mood.
And in the center sat Cassius, quietly.
"Lady Yelena has arrived."
Yelena approached him slowly.
And met his gaze.
The moment he saw her, Cassius's eyes widened in surprise.