Lea’s expression clouded.
“Was my etiquette that terrible?”
She spoke with a feeble voice.
Hmm, with the protagonist buff in play, it almost made me blurt out, “Oh no, it wasn’t that bad!” But I managed to maintain my composure and said coldly.
“Yes. There’s no need for further discussion. If you want to keep your closest friends from leaving, learn etiquette thoroughly.”
In response, Leia widened her eyes and protested.
“We’re close friends, why do we need such stiff formality? I actually came here because Bianca is my friend.”
Although she had just made her debut in high society, she was already an adult. Yet, she still maintained this childlike view of friendship. One could call it innocence or ignorance, depending on how one saw it.
I had no intention of teaching Leia everything step by step. While I didn’t dislike her, it wasn’t like I had any particular fondness for her either.
Well, sometimes when she showed cute moments, I found myself unconsciously smiling like a mother.
But right now, her pure eyes were more exasperating than cute.
“Leia, to be honest, I don’t consider us close friends yet.”
I’m going crazy. I find myself repeating the same words I said to Ares yesterday. How is it possible that this couple, without realising it, acts so similarly to each other?
Then she will respond.
“Oh, but we call each other by our names!”
…Exactly. just like this. Why is her response so similar to Ares’?
“Just calling each other by our names doesn’t mean we’re close friends. I haven’t had enough time to get to know you as a friend. And, above all, I tend to consider those who observe proper etiquette as friends.”
“Ah…”
Leia gasped loudly.
Oh, Leia Satorunos. Eventually, it seems that I am destined to become the villain. I just can’t bring myself to speak kindly to you.
The question of whether friends need to maintain a certain formality is something that was applicable when we were younger. Even I inform my friend Young Lady Metis Nereid in advance when I plan to visit her.
Leia’s face turned red. Is it because she’s angry, or is it embarrassment?
“Pointing out each breach of etiquette as you meet me now is also not a matter of courtesy. So, my recommendation is that you should definitely welcome an etiquette teacher and learn a bit.”
Leia lowered her head. After a moment of silence, she spoke in a weak voice.
“Since Bianca said so, I’ll do that. I’m really sorry. I only thought about myself and didn’t consider Young Lady’s perspective.”
Phew. Thankfully, she still has some common sense.
Leia’s words continued.
“I heard that Bianca is the most outstanding woman in high society. Probably, there is no mistake in what you said. Thank you for scolding me.”
I listened quietly, feeling a sense of relief. I was genuinely relieved that she wasn’t the type to push away unpleasant advice due to emotional bias. If Ares guides her well, she seems like she could become an excellent companion for him.
“Really… I’ve been quite rude.”
She apologised, shoulders slumping, and tried to get up from her seat.
Well, it seems like my intentions have been conveyed to her by now, so let’s not scold her any further. It becomes nagging when pointed out repeatedly.
I chuckled and stopped her.
“Let’s just overlook the breach of etiquette here. Since you’ve come after a long time, it would be a bit regrettable for you to leave just like that.”
Leaning back in my chair, I asked casually, “Why did you suddenly think of me? There seems to be a reason you wanted to see me…”
“Oh, that’s…”
Leia’s face brightened a bit. In any case, she is an easy-to-read personality.
“Actually, today I went to volunteer at a free soup kitchen. I heard about it from Young Lady Metis’s salon last time, and Bianca is also sponsoring it there.”
Oh, it seems Metis properly highlighted the difficult situation of the free soup kitchen.
Good. Miss Mimas’s shoulders might feel a bit lighter now.
Translators: Stardust. Read on moonlight novels only
“So, I went early in the morning, and there were really a tremendous number of people waiting in line. I didn’t know there were so many people in this city starving for meals.”
I smiled contentedly. I sincerely hoped that she would become a dignified woman with the proper noblesse oblige as a noble.
“I heard from the person in charge, Miss Mimas, that Bianca visited yesterday, and that reminded me of you. Besides, Ares also dropped by while the distribution was in full swing.”
Hmm? Ares? He casually appeared at the soup kitchen again after working so hard there yesterday? His stamina must be remarkable.
“So, after volunteering, I suggested going to Bianca together, but he refused, saying he has a busy schedule. It seems he just came to see Miss Mimas.”
My thoughts became complicated.
Ares rejected Leia’s request? Him? Why?
Could it be that he deliberately refused Leia’s request because I always associate him with Leia, disrupting their romance? This can’t be! I don’t want to interfere with their romance!
My heart started pounding.
Why does this world keep trying to cast me as the villain?
Lost in a myriad of thoughts in my head, Leia continued speaking.
“So, I came to see you alone. Actually, I really like Bianca. I want to become a wonderful woman like you!”
She easily developed a liking for me. I had only shown her a bit of kindness at the dress shop. It seemed the ‘author’ had created quite a few unnecessary devices to make the villainess suffer.
Think about it. If a friend who likes you is conspiring to take away the man you love, how great would the betrayal feel?
Anyway, now that I knew why Leia had visited and that she had seen my face, I hoped she would slowly leave.
“Thanks for being understanding. I’m not sure how to repay your kindness. Thank you, Leia.”
I expressed my gratitude for her affection in a dignified manner.
“I did a lot of work yesterday, so I haven’t fully recovered from fatigue. I think I’ll go in and rest now.”
“Oh, I see! That’s why you’re like this today… Well then, I’ll take my leave. Rest well and see you again.”
I smiled warmly and bid her farewell.
“If you visit according to etiquette, you’re always welcome.”
Leia smiled gracefully and left the mansion. Since she had come by public carriage, I arranged for a Count’s carriage to take her to her destination.
Come to think of it, even her departure looks exactly like Ares.
As I absentmindedly watched the carriage she was in, I couldn’t help but think of Ares.
I wonder what he’s thinking. Am I somehow twisting this novel right now?
Am I diligently avoiding the path of villainess?
…I probably needed to meet the ‘author’ again.
