17. Noble Education
The skills required of a noble are diverse.
Ultimately, it boils down to the ability to enrich and maintain one’s territory.
A nation is a collection of territories. The Kingdom of Eustasia comprises the ‘Royal Domain’ held by the Eustasia family and the territories held by the various noble families.
However, our predecessors sought to add value to the status of ‘noble.’
They sought to create a clear distinction.
They drew a sharp line between nobles and commoners, declaring, ‘I am different from you.’
‘Noble’ customs and manners, ‘behavior befitting a noble.’
Personally, I wasn’t sure if they were necessary. Wouldn’t most Eustasian citizens think, “If we had the time to fuss over such things, we could be attending to more practical matters”?
However, the Kingdom of Eustasia wasn’t the only nation on this continent.
Although there were some differences, every country had a similar history and had developed similar systems.
Marriages between nations occurred, and even the Eustasia royal family had foreign blood, so perhaps the cultural similarities were only natural.
While the Vanderwaals weren’t a family that engaged in public diplomacy, we sometimes entertained foreign dignitaries—partly to investigate their ‘true intentions.’
A nation’s prestige wasn’t solely maintained by the fertility of its farmland and the strength of its knights.
Leticia, too, was to receive a noble education.
Fortunately, her demeanor wasn’t as hopeless as most people might imagine when they heard “back alley.”
The residents of the “back alley,” including Leticia, were citizens of Eustasia.
More importantly, they were residents of the royal capital.
Even if the term “slums” was appropriate… that area was still part of the capital.
They were citizens of this country, living in the same world, just a different part of it.
Leticia herself was a quick learner.
In [Moonlight Liberium], the protagonist’s acquired knowledge was tested in the form of [Mini-Games].
They seemed to be multiple-choice questions.
…I briefly wondered if ‘romance simulation games’ were actually educational tools.
What exactly were they testing?
I didn’t know, but as far as I could tell, the questions were quite basic. If I were to take the test now, I would probably get a perfect score.
While replicating that was difficult, I asked the tutors I assigned to Leticia in various subjects—table manners, tea manners, history, etc.—to occasionally give her short multiple-choice quizzes to assess her understanding.
Rather than simply replicating the scenario, I thought multiple-choice tests were a good way to gauge comprehension.
My education consisted mostly of oral examinations… my tutors would ask me questions, and I would answer.
It would be cruel to expect my less experienced sister to remember everything without any written record.
In my case, I managed by studying textbooks and having Ciel tutor me constantly, even when my other tutors weren’t present.
Although she wasn’t a noble herself, Ciel had learned proper etiquette while overseeing my education and attending lessons with me, standing discreetly behind me. Her manners were impeccable.
She could probably become a noble right away.
Leticia was gradually acquiring the demeanor of a noble.
Everyday life—meals, tea time—became opportunities for learning.
That was how nobles were raised, from a young age.
――Mealtimes became more tense than before, as I couldn’t relax with my sister watching me.
However, it was also enjoyable, as Leticia was adorable, observing my every move with serious eyes, imitating me, and trying to learn.
I was also happy to have an excuse to observe her progress.
Though it was mentally taxing to point out her shortcomings in a sarcastic manner.
During one such breakfast, which had become a training ground, while waiting for our after-dinner coffee, my sister hesitantly spoke.
“…Elder Sister. Could you teach me how to dance?”
“Me? ――I believe I arranged for a tutor.”
“The tutor said I lacked experience and should practice at home as well.”
…Dancing, huh?
Spending time with my sister, gently guiding her through the steps…
…It would be a lie to say I didn’t find the idea appealing.
But would that be ‘behavior befitting a villainous sister’?
…No.
I had vowed to be strict.
What my sister needed wasn’t time with me—if she earnestly pleaded for my life, it would distort fate.
If I intended to follow the scenario of [Moonlight Liberium], I had to be ‘mean’ enough for her to barely plead for my life, yet ‘mean’ enough for her partner and others to deem me worthy of the guillotine.
It might be easier to be completely hated—…or maybe not, but it was certainly difficult to find the right balance.
I was still a noble, and the head of the family, at that.
I could teach my sister social dances.
However, at balls, I was always a wallflower.
I occasionally practiced with Ciel to keep from getting rusty.
No one was interested in inviting the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals” to dance.
Sometimes the prince, taking pity on me, would invite me, but I couldn’t refuse due to my position, which was annoying.
Dancing lessons with my sister might be fun.
But there was no such scene in the game.
There was no [Official Event] where the protagonist asked her villainous sister for dance lessons.
Then, I should proceed rationally.
I turned to Ciel, who was standing behind me.
“Ci—”
“And the tutor said, ‘Your sister is also my student, so ask her to teach you.’”
…Tutor?
My former tutor had unknowingly blocked my escape route.
Since I had arranged for the tutor through my connections, it was natural that some of them were still active instructors… including those who had taught me. It was my own fault.
I couldn’t help but look at Ciel for help.
She bowed slightly.
“Yes, Lady Adelheid.”
Her excellent posture might be due to her dance lessons.
Her movements were graceful and captivating.
“I will arrange for a practice space and practice attire. Please leave the scheduling to me.”
No.
That wasn’t it.
She was perfect as a maid, but that wasn’t what I wanted.
Ciel looked up and gazed at me intently.
“…Is there something unsatisfactory? Please point out any oversights.”
“No, Ciel. You haven’t made any oversights.”
If anything, she was too perfect as a maid.
She handled everything so flawlessly that I had no choice but to accept.
“…Proceed. —Leticia, I will grant you dance lessons. Be grateful.”
I said it as condescendingly and sarcastically as possible.
“Yes! Thank you, Elder Sister!”
But it had no effect.
My sister was as cheerful as ever.
As I sipped my after-dinner coffee, I couldn’t help but stare blankly into the distance.
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