# 26
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'What did you just see?'
The criticism of the Duchess did not end there. Her gaze moved from the princess's waist to her shoulders.
“I told you to keep your shoulders straight and your chin down.”
As soon as the kind words came out of her mouth, the princess immediately lowered her shoulders and lowered her chin down delicately.
“Keep your hands folded gracefully above your navel.”
This time, the princess delicately clasped her hands together, even while holding a wine glass.
Only then did the Duchess show a soft smile.
"excellent."
“Ah…”
The Duchess's satisfied reaction and the Princess' moan came out at the same time.
“You said there wouldn't be any lessons!”
“I was just checking your basic posture.”
“Fuck.”
Despite her complaining, the Princess maintained the pose the Duchess had trained her in.
After witnessing the entire scene, I quietly covered my mouth with my hand to hide my gaping expression.
'This is like training a dog.'
I couldn't think of a more appropriate analogy. As I swallowed my astonishment, the Duchess turned her attention to me this time.
Since I was watching with the attitude of an observer, I instinctively straightened my back.
'Is it my turn now?'
In contrast to my nervousness, the Duchess bowed to me politely.
“Your Highness, Grand Duchess, it has been a long time. I did not expect you to honor us with your presence here.”
There was not a single flaw in her calm gesture as she lifted her skirt and stepped back with one foot. She was the embodiment of the perfect bow.
I forced myf to smile shakily and spoke to her.
“How could I miss the Duke and Duchess Brillose's 20th anniversary party?”
“We are truly grateful for your interest.”
“I should have brought a gift, but I'm sorry I didn't.”
“Please do not worry, Your Highness. Your presence alone is an honor.”
Even though she was smiling, the Duchess's aura in front of me was like that of a tiger.
How could someone wear such a cute expression when he had the eyes of a tiger?
“If you wish to speak with the princess, I can excuse myf. I also need to greet the others...”
As I tried to extricate myf from the situation, she shook her head.
“No, I came here to speak to Your Highness, not the Princess.”
… with me? suddenly? here?
I felt as nervous as I had in high school when the disciplinary teacher would call me out for no reason.
“You mean...me?”
I tried to hide my confusion and pointed to myf. She nodded.
"Yes, this is correct."
“What business might the Duchess want… with me…?”
While I hesitated, the Duchess responded calmly, as if she had been waiting for my question.
“I heard there was some disturbance here in the greenhouse while I was away.”
"Disorder? Ah."
She must be talking about what happened with Isabella Howard's group.
As I slowly understood her words, I slowly nodded my head.
“It was a sensation, really.”
When they gathered around me immediately after my arrival, it certainly attracted a lot of attention.
The atmosphere became somewhat chaotic as a result.
Even the princess laughed at the scene.
Everyone knew how carefully the Duchess Brilloz took the parties she held every quarter.
'Could she scold me for that?'
At this moment, I felt like I was being scolded alongside the princess, and my shoulders shrank.
I am the Grand Duchess.
If I back down here, I'll lose.
‘But there is nothing to gain by colliding with the Duchess of Brillose.’
The Duchess was already a very respectable person, and I had just entered the delicate social scene. Moreover, from the moment the Duchess approached the Princess and me, the gazes of the nobles around us were firmly focused on us.
It was clear who would come out worse if any contact arose.
Above all…
That gentle, soft face was terrifying to me now.
It was on a completely different level from the Isabella Howard set.
‘I have to… agree to that.’
I started apologizing.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause trouble, but...”
“No, I'm here to apologize to you.”
huh?
Suddenly, the Duchess clasped her hands together and bowed her head politely to me.
Then she spoke a little louder, clearly for everyone to hear.
“I have committed a grave mistake towards Your Highness, the Grand Duchess.”
“...Duchess?”
Many nobles began to whisper among themves as they watched the scene.
“Oh my God, look at this.”
“I did not expect the Duchess to come forward.”
“But it was bound to happen.”
At that moment I realized something.
'She's doing this on purpose.'
The last confrontation with Isabella's group ended in my favor. Moreover, even the princess sided with me.
It was clear that the Duchess, as hostess, had calculated how to handle the situation.
By publicly apologizing in front of everyone, I cut off in advance any potential gossip about the fact that she intentionally invited me and Isabella Howard, whom we don't have a good relationship with.
'Wow, she's really quick-witted...'
It became immediately clear why she was responsible for the princess's education.
“No need, Duchess.”
I straightened her posture.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding. Mrs. Howard and I were just exchanging pleasantries. So, there's no need to worry. In fact, I should thank you for not putting me in an embarrassing situation.”
The Duchess's eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by my generous attitude. Then she smiled sweetly.
“You are not an ice flower, but a spring flower.”
Isn't that a sophisticated way of saying I'm nicer than I look?
As if to confirm my guess, the Duchess's facial expression became more relaxed.
“I sincerely thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.”
“No need to thank you.”
“Since this must be fate, if you need my help in the future, please feel free to contact me. I would like to continue our conversation, but it seems that I have to attend to other matters….”
She glanced at the young women waiting behind her, looking a little apologetic.
“It's okay, if you're busy. After all, you're the host.”
I waved my hand dismissively, but then stopped.
“Wait.”
…Did she say I could call her if I needed help?
Diana's cherry blossom-colored hair ran through my mind.
If she was the Duchess of Brillose, she could be a big help in reintroducing Diana to society later, right?
My eyes lit up when I realized this.
“…Can I really call you if I need help?”
I added a touch of a smile to my words, and the Duchess looked at me curiously.
"Of course. Do you need something?"
"No, I don't have to mention this now. But I'd like to have a longer conversation with you later. Would that be okay?"
I asked with a gleam in my eye, and the Duchess nodded before immediately agreeing.
“If I could have the honor of speaking with Your Highness, 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 the wings on Diana's back.
“Then, I look forward to hearing from you. Please enjoy today’s party.”
“Thank you for your concern. I will.”
After this warm exchange, the Duchess disappeared to the other side of the room.
'This is a windfall.'
I held back the smile that threatened to appear.
'This is why people tell you to attend social events regularly. You never know when you'll meet someone important!'
Diana, you scored a goal for us!
“…Your Highness? Your expression seems a little strange.”
"I?"
"Yes. He looks... so evil. Like a villain planning something.”
I looked at the princess, who was trembling, and smiled smoothly, pretending that I had never made such a face before.
“There is no way for this to happen.”
“This is suspicious...”
The princess narrowed her eyes, unconvinced.
I maintained an innocent smile without revealing my true thoughts.
After examining me for a moment, the princess sneered.
“Anyway, the next meeting will be with me first. The Duchess can come next.”
“Yes, I will keep that in mind. And I will teach Mrs. Zed as well.”
“Well, Mrs. Zed… I like her very much. Even her name is so cute!”
“I'm sure Lady Zedd will be pleased to meet you, Your Highness.”
I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Lady Zedd, who would probably tremble like a leaf in front of the princess, but what could I do?
It's all for the bigger picture.
'Sorry, Mrs. Zed. 'Hold on.'