LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 40
Anriche subtly interjected into the conversation.
“With just a little polishing, our Liliana will become a perfect lady, just like anyone else, don’t you think?”
“……”
After a moment of silence, Countess Ivan finally broke into a bright smile.
“Of course, the Duchess is right.”
At that response, Liliana’s previously nervous expression transformed into a radiant smile.
“If you learn under me, such issues will be resolved quickly.”
“R-Really?”
“Absolutely. It’s embarrassing to say this myself, but the Duchess of Valois, your guardian, also…”
As Countess Ivan continued, she glanced at Anriche.
Anriche couldn’t hide her subtle expression.
Why was she suddenly being brought into this?
“She is my proudest student.”
“Wow, really?”
Liliana looked at Anriche with surprise.
“Did you learn from Teacher Ivan too?”
“Um? Y-Yeah, something like that…”
Anriche nodded absentmindedly.
Somehow, it felt like Liliana was paying special attention to how much she followed Anriche, as if she was intentionally saying this.
*Is that just my imagination?*
“I promise you. If you trust me and follow my guidance, Miss Liliana…”
Countess Ivan’s smile grew even brighter.
“I will make you the best lady in society.”
“Wow, thank you!”
Liliana enthusiastically nodded.
As Anriche gazed into her star-like sparkling light green eyes, she unconsciously narrowed her own eyes.
She realized the source of her discomfort.
Countess Ivan was acting as if she had already become Liliana’s tutor.
* * *
After Countess Ivan left, Anriche subtly posed a question to Liliana.
“How was Countess Ivan? You can speak honestly.”
“Honestly?”
“Yeah. If you don’t want to learn, or if you’d like a better teacher… Anything is fine.”
Countess Ivan was undoubtedly an excellent teacher.
Even during the interview with the child, she didn’t show any signs of being difficult.
Her behavior, as if she had already become Liliana’s tutor, might be due to her enthusiasm for teaching.
But…
*Something about this feels awkward.*
Anriche couldn’t hide her ambiguous feelings.
However, Liliana stubbornly shook her head.
“No, I really want to learn from Teacher Ivan.”
“…Have you already made up your mind?”
“Yes. Teacher Ivan taught my mother too.”
Liliana continued to speak clearly.
“Earlier, the teacher said that to become a wonderful lady like my mother, I need her education.”
“But, Liliana…”
“I will work hard.”
Her light green eyes were filled with determination.
Anriche, who had been trying to talk Liliana out of it, finally let out a short sigh.
“Fine, if that’s what you want, then go ahead.”
After all, the most important thing was the child’s will.
Even while trying to think that way, Anriche’s furrowed brows showed no signs of relaxing.
* * *
After Countess Ivan’s hiring was confirmed, a few days later.
“Um, Duchess, I have something to discuss.”
“What is it?”
Anriche raised an eyebrow.
Countess Ivan handed her a piece of paper.
“These are the materials and teaching aids that Miss Liliana will use.”
Taken aback, Anriche accepted the note and looked over the items listed inside.
At the same time, she noticed something puzzling.
*…Liliana needs to study from the basics, yet you’re already preparing advanced materials?*
There was no need for them right now!
Squinting her eyes, Anriche asked Countess Ivan a question.
“Are all these materials necessary for the child’s lessons?”
“Of course, I’ve only noted down what is essential.”
Countess Ivan nodded vigorously.
Anriche couldn’t hide her ambiguous expression.
“Liliana should start with the basics, so why are you preparing advanced materials already?”
“Yes. I thought it would be better to have the materials ready in advance, as I plan to progress as quickly as possible.”
…Progress as quickly as possible?
Anriche shook her head.
“No, it’s fine if we don’t rush through the lessons.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t want the child to overexert herself, so please prioritize her well-being over the pace of the lessons.”
“However, Miss Liliana herself expressed this desire.”
Anriche was momentarily at a loss for words in response to that firm answer.
She had no counterargument when Liliana was used as a shield.
After gnawing on her lips for a moment, Anriche finally spoke.
“Alright, let’s set that issue aside. However, I have a few points that I don’t understand.”
“What are those points?”
“First, about these teaching materials.”
Anriche glanced down at the names of the textbooks listed on the note.
“When I was taught by the countess before, I don’t think we used this textbook.”
It wasn’t just that she didn’t use it; it was more like it was a book she had never even heard of before.
What on earth was she relying on to adopt this textbook?
At that moment, when Anriche couldn’t hide her distrustful gaze,
“Oh, that book is something I wrote myself.”
Countess Ivan said that with a bright smile.
Anriche’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“…What did you say?”
“I teach etiquette using a book I wrote myself for smoother lessons.”
“No, that’s not right.”
Anriche asked incredulously,
“I believe there’s an official national etiquette book; why should we use the book written by the countess?”
“Excuse me?”
“Why aren’t we using the official textbook?”
Taken aback, Countess Ivan stuttered slightly.
“W-Well, it’s because it’s more efficient…”
“If that’s the reason, then that’s unacceptable.”
Anriche decisively rejected it.
Countess Ivan’s face contorted with confusion.
“I want Liliana to receive lessons using materials that have been officially sanctioned by the state.”
“…I understand.”
Perhaps she couldn’t bear to confront the duchess directly, Countess Ivan took a step back.
In the meantime, she glanced at Anriche, gauging her reaction.
“But we must purchase all the teaching aids.”
“Teaching aids?”
“Yes. There are many things to learn for a lady’s education, such as instruments and embroidery.”
Countess Ivan’s eyes were shining with desire as she spoke.
“I humbly request that you absolutely provide the necessary aids for Miss Liliana’s studies.”
Anriche recalled the items listed in the note.
There were expensive instruments that were not needed at the moment, and even trivial items like colored threads for embroidery.
“As you know, our store handles all kinds of teaching aids and textbooks.”
“Is that so? You seem to have quite a variety of items.”
“Oh, yes. We’ve recently expanded our business.”