‘What did I just see?’
The Duchess’s criticism did not end there. Her gaze traveled up the Princess’s waist to her shoulders.
“I told you to keep your shoulders straight and pull your chin down.”
As soon as the gentle words left her mouth, the Princess immediately lowered her shoulders and pulled her chin down neatly.
“Keep your hands gracefully folded just above your navel.”
This time, the Princess clasped her hands together neatly, even while holding a wine glass.
Only then did the Duchess show a soft smile.
“Excellent.”
“Ugh…”
The Duchess’s satisfied reaction and the Princess’s groan came out simultaneously.
“You said there wouldn’t be any lessons!”
“I was just checking your basic posture.”
“Darn it.”
Despite her grumbling, the Princess maintained the posture the Duchess had coached her into.
Witnessing the entire scene, I quietly covered my mouth with my hand to hide my gaping expression.
‘This is like Pavlov’s dog.’
No more fitting analogy came to mind. As I swallowed my amazement, the Duchess turned her attention to me this time.
As I had been spectating with the demeanor of an observer, I instinctively straightened my back.
‘Is it my turn now?’
Contrary to my nervousness, the Duchess merely gave me a polite bow.
“Your Grace, the Grand Duchess, it has been a long time. I did not expect you to grace us with your presence here.”
There wasn’t a single flaw in her poised gesture as she lifted her skirt and stepped back with one foot. It was the epitome of a perfect curtsy.
I forced a trembling smile and addressed her.
“How could I miss the 20th anniversary party of Duke and Duchess Brilluze?”
“We are truly grateful for your thoughtful consideration.”
“I should have brought a gift, but I’m sorry I didn’t.”
“Please don’t worry, Your Grace. Your presence alone is an honor.”
Though she was smiling, the aura of the Duchess in front of me was like that of a tiger.
How could someone wear such a gentle expression while having the eyes of a tiger?
“If you wish to speak with the Princess, I can excuse myself. I also need to greet others…”
As I tried to excuse myself from the situation, she shook her head.
“No, I came here to speak with Your Grace, not the Princess.”
…With me? Suddenly? Here?
I felt as nervous as I did back in high school when the disciplinary teacher would call on me for no reason.
“Me… you mean?”
I tried to hide my confusion and pointed at myself. She nodded.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“What business could the Duchess have… with me…?”
As I hesitated, the Duchess calmly responded as if she had been waiting for my question.
“I heard there was some commotion here in the greenhouse while I was away.”
“Commotion? Oh.”
She must be talking about what happened with Isabella Howard’s group.
As I slowly understood her words, I nodded slowly.
‘It was quite a commotion, indeed.’
When they swarmed around me right after my arrival, it certainly drew a lot of attention.
The atmosphere had become somewhat chaotic as a result.
Even the Princess had laughed at the sight.
Everyone knew how much care the Duchess of Brilluze put into the parties she held each quarter.
‘Could it be that she’s going to scold me because of that?’
At this point, I felt like I was being scolded alongside the Princess, and my shoulders shrank.
I’m the Grand Duchess.
If I back down here, I lose.
‘But there’s nothing to gain by clashing with the Duchess of Brilluze.’
The Duchess was already a highly respected figure, and I had just stepped into the delicate social scene. Moreover, ever since the moment the Duchess had approached me and the Princess, the gazes of the surrounding nobles had been intensely focused on us.
It was obvious who would come out worse if any friction arose.
Above all…
“……”
That gentle, soft face was terrifying to me right now.
She was on a completely different level from Isabella Howard’s group.
‘I should… go along with it.’
I started to apologize.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to cause a disturbance, but…”
“No, I’m here to apologize to you.”
Huh?
Suddenly, the Duchess clasped her hands together and bowed her head to me politely.
She then spoke in a slightly louder voice, clearly intended for everyone to hear.
“I have committed a great discourtesy to Your Grace, the Grand Duchess.”
“…Duchess?”
Several nobles began to murmur among themselves as they watched the scene.
“My goodness, look at that.”
“I didn’t expect the Duchess to step forward.”
“But it was bound to happen.”
It was then that a realization flashed through my mind.
‘She’s doing this on purpose.’
The recent confrontation with Isabella’s group ended in my favor. Moreover, even the Princess sided with me.
It was clear that the Duchess, as the hostess, had calculated how to handle the situation.
By publicly apologizing in front of everyone, she preemptively cut off any potential gossip about the fact that she had invited both Isabella Howard and me, who are not on good terms.
‘Wow, she’s really quick-witted…’
It became instantly clear why she was in charge of educating the Princess.
“There’s no need for this, Duchess.”
I straightened her posture.
“It seems there was a misunderstanding. Lady Howard and I were merely exchanging pleasantries. So, there’s no need to worry. In fact, I should thank you for not putting me in an awkward position.”
The Duchess’s eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by my generous attitude. Then, she smiled gently.
“You’re not an ice flower but a flower of spring.”
Isn’t that a sophisticated way of saying I’m nicer than I seem?
As if to confirm my guess, the Duchess’s expression became much more relaxed.
“I sincerely thank you for your graciousness, Your Grace.”
“There’s no need for thanks.”
“Since this must be fate, if you ever need my assistance in the future, please don’t hesitate to call on me. I would love to continue our conversation, but it seems I must attend to other matters….”
She glanced at the young ladies waiting behind her, looking a bit apologetic.
“Go ahead, if you’re busy. After all, you’re the hostess.”
I waved my hand dismissively, but then paused.
‘Wait.’
…Did she say I could call on her if I needed help?
Diana’s cherry blossom-colored hair flashed through my mind.
If it’s the Duchess of Brilluze, she could be a great help in reintroducing Diana to society later on, couldn’t she?
My eyes brightened with the realization.
“…Could I really call on you if I needed help?”
I added a hint of a smile to my words, and the Duchess looked at me curiously.
“Of course. Is there something you need?”
“No, it’s not something I need to bring up right now. But I would like to have a longer conversation with you later. Would that be alright?”
I asked with a sparkle in my eyes, and the Duchess tilted her head before readily agreeing.
“If I can have the honor of speaking with Your Grace, it would be a great pleasure.”
Oh, I’m the one who should be grateful.
After all, you’re the one who can help put wings on Diana’s back.
“Then, I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Please enjoy the party today.”
“Thank you for your consideration. I will.”
After this warm exchange, the Duchess disappeared to the other side of the room.
‘This is an unexpected gain.’
I held back the smile that threatened to break out.
‘This is why people tell you to attend social events regularly. You never know when you’ll meet someone important!’
Diana, I scored one for us!
“…Your Grace? Your expression looks a bit strange.”
“Mine?”
“Yeah. It looks very… sinister. Like a villain plotting something.”
I glanced at the Princess, who was shuddering, and smoothly smiled, pretending I had never made such a face.
“There’s no way.”
“Suspicious…”
The Princess narrowed her eyes, still unconvinced.
I maintained an innocent smile without revealing my true thoughts.
After scrutinizing me for a moment, the Princess scoffed.
“Anyway, the next meeting will be with me first. The Duchess can be after that.”
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll also notify Madam Zed.”
“Hmm, Madam Zed… I like her very much. Even her name is quite pleasing!”
“I’m sure Madam Zed will be thrilled to meet you, Your Highness.”
I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Madam Zed, who would likely tremble like a leaf in front of the Princess, but what could I do?
It’s all for the bigger picture.
‘Sorry, Madam Zed. Hang in there.’
♧♧♧
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