~Chapter 48~
Cecilia greeted the Countess Dowager of Celes with a graceful movement, like a butterfly.
“Hello, Teacher.”
“……”
But the Countess Dowager did not look pleased.
She stared quietly at Cecilia, then clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction.
“Our Cecilia, isn’t that movement a bit unladylike?”
“Pardon?”
“The angle when you bowed your head was too deep. And the way you lowered your dress with your hand as well. It wasn’t elegant at all.”
“……”
Cecilia pressed her lower lip tightly.
But the Countess Dowager had not finished speaking.
“More importantly, Cecilia. Did you ask the Duchess about purchasing a new harp?”
“…A harp?”
“Yes. I told you that a proper lady should at least know how to play two instruments.”
The Countess Dowager scolded her as if it were obvious.
“I already spoke with the Concern Instrument Shop, but they said the ducal house still hasn’t contacted them. What happened?”
“Th-that is…”
Cecilia fell silent.
After all, a harp was extremely expensive among musical instruments.
For the Lucert Ducal family, it wouldn’t be a huge expense, but generally it wasn’t something you could casually ask to buy.
Of course, noble ladies usually learned at least one instrument.
That was why Cecilia had been learning the piano for a long time.
In that situation, she honestly couldn’t understand why she had to learn another instrument.
Besides—
Why did she specifically insist on buying a harp from the Concern shop?
There were many other instrument shops in the world.
Of course, Cecilia assumed her teacher must have her own reasons.
Still, something about it felt uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry… I haven’t asked yet.”
“……”
The Countess Dowager’s eyes instantly turned cold.
“Cecilia, I’m afraid you seem to lack determination.”
“Determination?”
“Yes. As a noble lady, you must become perfect. But you are not active enough in your studies. Since you lack the will to learn, your attitude ends up like this.”
She spoke sarcastically, making sure Cecilia could hear every word.
“Isn’t that why you always seem so lacking?”
Cecilia’s expression darkened.
“The Concern shop already prepared a harp especially for you, but continuing to delay like this is also impolite.”
“……”
“Anyway, make sure to purchase it soon. Because of you, my reputation is suffering. Do you understand?”
After repeatedly reminding her, the Countess Dowager gestured with her chin, still looking displeased.
“That’s enough. Walk for me. Today we will review how to walk elegantly.”
“Yes, Teacher.”
Cecilia took a short breath and carefully stepped forward.
But only for a moment.
“Stop, stop!”
The Countess Dowager shook her head irritably and snapped at her.
“You’re wobbling too much. As the daughter of the Lucert Ducal family, shouldn’t you show a more beautiful posture?”
“…I’m sorry.”
Cecilia’s face had turned pale as she walked again.
But the problem was that Cecilia was already extremely nervous.
Because of that, her movements became stiff.
Meanwhile, the Countess Dowager, who had been observing closely, slowly stood up.
“This won’t do. You need proper instruction so you can focus more on correcting your posture.”
“……”
Cecilia froze completely and looked at her teacher.
The Countess Dowager smiled brightly.
It was a surprisingly gentle smile.
“How many lessons would you like to receive?”
“…F-five times, please.”
At that answer, the Countess Dowager frowned deeply.
“Do you really think that is enough to learn properly?”
“……”
“Our Cecilia, I’m disappointed. You seem to have no enthusiasm for studying.”
A cruel smile appeared on her face.
“Still, it is a teacher’s duty to correct a student who has gone astray.”
A moment later—
The Countess Dowager picked up a long pointer stick.
Usually, it was said to be used for pointing at sentences written on a board.
But the Countess Dowager used it for something else.
“Hold out your arms.”
She spoke calmly.
Biting her lower lip, Cecilia rolled up her sleeves.
Then she stretched both arms forward and bowed her head quietly.
The Countess Dowager swung the pointer.
Smack!
“……!”
Sharp pain rushed through Cecilia’s whole body.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
A little while later—
The Countess Dowager took out an ointment from her pocket.
“Give me your arm.”
Cecilia endured the pain and held out her arm.
The Countess Dowager gently applied the ointment over Cecilia’s pale arm, which had turned red and scratched.
Then something surprising happened.
Wherever the ointment touched, the wounds began to fade visibly.
After a while—
“You know something, Cecilia?”
Looking down at the arm where the wounds had completely disappeared, the Countess Dowager suddenly spoke.
“The Duchess of Lucert was very pleased when she heard about your progress.”
Cecilia suddenly lifted her head.
A trembling voice escaped her lips.
“R-really?”
“Of course. I will also continue doing my best in between.”
The Countess Dowager smiled generously.
“So that the Duchess will continue to cherish you.”
“Th-thank you.”
Cecilia’s face brightened immediately.
The Countess Dowager’s smile grew deeper.
“Where else could you find a teacher who cares about her student as much as I do?”
At that moment, Cecilia clearly remembered the words the Duchess often said.
“The Countess Dowager of Celes once taught me as well. Thanks to her, I learned step by step how a noble lady should behave.”
“Cecilia, follow her teachings well and become a wonderful lady.”
And also the Duchess’s bright smile.
Why was it?
Her mother had spoken so kindly.
But why did her chest hurt so much?
“…You are right.”
As Cecilia nodded weakly, the Countess Dowager narrowed her eyes.
“There is also something I want to ask you.”
Cecilia silently looked at her.
“The greatest virtue of a lady is silence.”
The Countess Dowager continued gently.
“I trust you will not speak carelessly about what happened today. You understand that it would disgrace both your mother and me, don’t you?”
“I will remember that, Teacher.”
At Cecilia’s obedient reply, the Countess Dowager’s expression became even gentler.
“I feel truly sad for hurting you.”
She held Cecilia’s hands tightly.
“Please do not resent me. All of this teaching will become nourishment for you to become a better lady.”
“Yes… I think so too.”
Cecilia forced herself to smile at her.
But why was it—
…As if she had swallowed a handful of sharp sand,
her chest kept stinging deep inside.
