~Chapter 50~
…I never said anything like that?
At those words, the Duchess of Lucerte widened her eyes in surprise.
“A harp?”
The Countess Dowager of Celes nodded with a smile.
“Yes. Isn’t it admirable?”
“But Cecilia is already learning the piano. Is there really a need for her to learn another instrument…?”
“Doesn’t that simply show how passionate she is about learning?”
The Countess Dowager continued smoothly.
“And since Cecilia is showing such enthusiasm, perhaps the Duchess might consider it positively this time.”
“Hmm…”
The Duchess glanced at Cecilia with a thoughtful expression.
Cecilia instinctively smiled.
“So, about that—the harp from the Conchern Instrument Shop is quite excellent. Its tone is wonderful, and it’s a fine piece worthy of the dignity of the Ducal House.”
“Well, if you say so, Teacher…”
The Duchess was just about to nod.
Then someone gently joined the conversation.
“Still… wouldn’t it be too difficult for Unni?”
It was Milena.
She looked at Cecilia with drooping brows.
“This is just my opinion, but I’m worried that Unni might be pushing herself too hard.”
It was as if she had seen straight through Cecilia’s heart.
Cecilia blinked blankly.
Milena continued in a worried tone.
“You’re already taking so many classes.”
That was true.
Besides the basic education expected of a noble lady, Cecilia was also studying practical subjects such as accounting and finance.
All because she wanted to become a daughter of Lucerte who would never bring shame to the family name.
“Of course, if Unni truly wants to study it, then it can’t be helped. But is there really a reason to add harp lessons on top of everything else?”
“…Milena.”
“And besides, I’ve never seen anyone play the piano as well as you do.”
Milena smiled brightly as she said it.
The Duchess also nodded, agreeing with her daughter.
“That’s right, Cecilia. You don’t need to push yourself.”
“……”
“Your piano playing is already excellent. Studying hard is good, but your health is important too.”
At those warm words, Cecilia suddenly felt as if her heart were melting.
Her cheeks turned slightly red as she nodded.
“Yes, Mother. If that is what you say… then I will do so.”
At that moment—
Milena suddenly turned her head.
She had sensed a strong sense of discomfort.
At the end of her gaze sat the Countess Dowager of Celes.
What is that look?
The Countess Dowager had been staring at Cecilia with a fierce expression.
Then, as if noticing Milena’s gaze, she turned her head.
Ah.
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment, the Countess Dowager stiffened.
But then she quickly composed herself and smiled sweetly.
That’s strange… why did she look so unpleasant just now?
It had looked as if—
She was scolding Cecilia for refusing to learn the harp.
Milena’s eyes darkened slightly.
Soon, the meal came to an end.
“Oh my, it’s already this late.”
The Countess Dowager of Celes stood up first.
“I should take my leave now.”
“Oh, then I will escort you—”
“Teacher, I will—”
The Duchess and Cecilia both started to rise.
But the Countess Dowager waved her hand with a smile.
“No need. It would be improper for the Duchess of Lucerte to escort me personally.”
Her smiling gaze moved to Cecilia.
“Cecilia, would you mind escorting me instead?”
“Of course, Teacher.”
Cecilia quickly stepped beside her.
The Countess Dowager politely bowed to the Duchess.
“Then I shall see you again, Duchess. Come along, Cecilia.”
“Yes.”
After the two of them left the dining room, the Duchess said she would rest for a while and returned to her bedroom.
Milena casually looked around the room.
Then her eyes widened slightly.
What’s that?
A white handkerchief lay on the chair where the Countess Dowager had been sitting.
It seemed she had dropped it while getting up.
Milena bent down and picked it up.
She probably hasn’t left the townhouse yet.
If she hurried, she could return it.
So Milena quickly headed toward the entrance.
Then—
“Is your arm alright? Does it still hurt?”
…Arm?
Milena abruptly stopped.
She had just heard a familiar voice.
In the distance, the Countess Dowager of Celes and Cecilia were talking.
“It’s fine.”
Cecilia lowered her head politely.
Milena narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Her arm… that’s where Cecilia said it hurt when I grabbed it earlier.
The Countess Dowager continued gently.
“You should still take good care of it.”
To anyone watching, it would seem as though she truly cared about Cecilia.
“You know that I always cherish you, don’t you?”
The Countess Dowager lightly patted Cecilia’s shoulder.
“You are my best student. I trust you won’t bring shame to your teacher.”
“Yes, Teacher.”
Cecilia answered obediently the entire time.
The Countess Dowager looked at her with satisfaction.
Then suddenly she raised her head.
At the same time, her face turned pale.
Because she had noticed Milena standing not far away.
“Lady Milena?”
…What?
That reaction seemed far too extreme for simply being seen.
Milena hid her confusion and took out the handkerchief.
“Here. You left your handkerchief behind.”
“Oh my.”
The Countess Dowager quickly took the handkerchief.
Then she forced a smile.
“It seems I must have dropped it. How kind of you to bring it to me.”
“It’s nothing.”
Milena also smiled brightly, pretending she knew nothing.
But a strange glint appeared in the Countess Dowager’s eyes.
“By the way, Lady Milena… don’t you require a private tutor?”
She asked in a subtle voice.
“A private tutor?”
“Yes. Of course the Duchess must already be taking good care of that, but just in case…”
“T-Teacher!”
At that moment—
Cecilia hurriedly interrupted.
“Mother said Milena is already looking for a new teacher.”
“…Is that so?”
The Countess Dowager’s lips tightened in displeasure.
Meanwhile, Milena slowly frowned.
Is it just my imagination?
It somehow felt like Cecilia was trying to keep her and the Countess Dowager apart.
