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Chapter 7
Sylvia tried her best to learn by watching how the others used the utensils.
But for someone who knew absolutely nothing about noble etiquette, it was far too difficult to immediately copy them just by observing.
‘What should I do? Should I just ask directly?’
It was embarrassing, but asking honestly was probably the most effective solution.
Even knowing that, however, Sylvia could not easily bring herself to speak.
No one here had yet realized that she was struggling with table manners.
Just as Melody, who had finally noticed Sylvia’s situation, was about to approach her—
“You can just use them one by one starting from the outside.”
Julia, who had been silent the entire time, quietly spoke to Sylvia.
Duke Werner must have heard it as well because he turned his head toward Sylvia.
The attention gathering on her made Sylvia flustered, but more than that, she was surprised that Julia had tried to help her.
“The forks and spoons on the outside should be used first in order. Weren’t you unable to eat because you didn’t know that?”
Her tone was still as cold as before.
“And if you don’t know something, it’s fine to eat however feels comfortable to you. No one here is going to force manners onto you.”
Still, Sylvia could feel consideration hidden in Julia’s words.
It may have been something small, but Julia had been the first person to notice Sylvia’s discomfort and speak to her.
Sylvia had thought Julia disliked her based only on her distant attitude.
But perhaps that was not true after all.
At the very least, Julia was not someone who would leave her younger sister struggling alone.
“That’s right, Sylvia. Use whatever feels comfortable.”
Duke Werner hurriedly added.
“See?”
Julia lightly shrugged her shoulders once.
Her casual attitude and words comforted Sylvia more than expected.
“Thank you, Lady Julia.”
“……”
Sylvia quietly thanked Julia.
Then she picked up the outermost fork and tasted the cured ham served as the appetizer.
The slightly rich yet pleasantly salty flavor melted softly across her tongue.
Realizing Sylvia’s trouble a moment too late, Duke Werner blamed himself while watching his youngest daughter finally begin eating.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think you would run into a problem like this.”
“No, it’s alright. I’m the one who didn’t say anything.”
As Sylvia shyly smiled and answered, the duke let out a bitter smile.
After quietly watching him for a moment, Sylvia carefully spoke.
“Excuse me, Duke.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“If it’s alright… could I perhaps learn proper etiquette while I stay here?”
Sylvia personally did not think she would remain in this place for very long.
So even if she never learned noble etiquette, just as Julia had said, no one in the Werner Ducal Family would criticize her for it.
Still, Sylvia did not want to keep experiencing situations like this while staying here.
Besides, this was a rare chance to learn noble customs.
Once she learned them, there would be countless ways they could help her in the future, even after leaving the Werner estate someday.
That was why Sylvia did not want to waste this opportunity.
“Of course! I’ll prepare lessons starting tomorrow immediately.”
Duke Werner answered brightly.
He had actually been thinking of suggesting etiquette lessons after seeing Sylvia struggle.
He had been wondering how to bring it up without embarrassing her, so since Sylvia suggested it first, there was no reason for him to refuse.
“Thank you very much, Duke.”
Sylvia smiled brightly as she answered, and Duke Werner smiled back at her.
After that, the meal continued smoothly.
Now that the duke understood where Sylvia was struggling, he carefully explained how to eat each new dish as it was served.
Even though the meal took longer because of it, Julia did not complain even once and instead matched Sylvia’s pace while eating.
At first, Sylvia had been frightened by Julia’s distant attitude, but now some of her fear and anxiety toward her had disappeared.
“Wow, this is really delicious!”
Sweet and savory sauce spread together with rich meat juices every time she chewed.
It was the first time in her entire life that Sylvia had ever eaten something this luxurious and delicious.
She was already worried about how empty she would feel after returning someday if she kept experiencing such wonderful things while staying here.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Duke Werner smiled happily.
“Oh right, Vivian.”
“Yes?”
The name “Vivian” still felt unfamiliar, but Sylvia lifted her head and met the duke’s eyes.
“If it’s alright, would you spare me some time after dinner?”
“After dinner?”
“Yes.”
He answered after taking a sip of water.
Since she had no idea why he was asking, Sylvia could not answer immediately.
“May I ask what it’s about?”
As Sylvia carefully asked, the duke quickly explained.
“I want to show you the most beautiful place in this estate. Since the sun will be setting after dinner, I thought the timing would be perfect.”
“The most beautiful place?”
Sylvia’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s.
The entire Werner estate already felt breathtaking enough, so hearing there was an even more beautiful place instantly made her curious.
“Would you like to go with me?”
“Yes! I’d love to.”
As Sylvia nodded eagerly, Duke Werner smiled with satisfaction.
After safely finishing dinner, Sylvia stood up from her seat.
At that moment, Duke Werner approached her and extended his hand.
Sylvia now understood why he always did this.
“Allow me to escort you.”
As if proving Sylvia’s thoughts correct, the duke spoke gently.
Sylvia blinked before carefully placing her hand on top of his.
“Then I’ll gladly accept.”
Duke Werner guided Sylvia’s hand onto his arm.
Then he slowly began walking.
“The place I’m taking you to now is the estate’s central garden.”
“The central garden?”
“Yes. It is famous for being called the most beautiful place in the estate. Especially for someone born with the power of water like you, the view should feel truly magnificent.”
The duke spoke confidently.
Hearing his words made Sylvia even more curious.
Just how beautiful was it for him to sound so certain?
Now that she thought about it, even the gardens she had seen while riding to the estate had been stunningly neat and beautiful.
The carefully maintained gardens had looked as precise and elegant as sculptures.
Even that had already been beautiful enough to make Sylvia feel it was too precious to enjoy alone, so the central garden must have been even more breathtaking.
With excitement filling her heart, Sylvia followed him forward.
“……!”
The moment the garden finally came into view, Sylvia froze completely, forgetting even to gasp in admiration.
The central garden of the Werner estate was very different from ordinary gardens.
The dim evening sky, the fresh green trees, and the mysterious clusters of light—
The garden itself had already been beautifully arranged, but what truly captured Sylvia’s eyes were those glowing lights.
Something shining while flying through the garden made the entire place appear dreamlike and magical.
“It’s… truly beautiful.”
Only after a long pause did Sylvia finally manage to speak.
At that moment, she regretted how poor her vocabulary was.
To think she could only describe such a magical place with a simple word like “beautiful.”
Yet no matter what elegant words she used, they could never fully describe this sight.
“Isn’t it?”
“Yes. But those lights…”
Sylvia pointed toward what she had been curious about this whole time and turned to ask Duke Werner—
Then her eyes widened when one of the glowing lights landed on her fingertip.
At first, she thought it was just a firefly, but when she looked closer, she realized it was not.
After finally recognizing what it was, Sylvia’s lips parted slightly.
“Is this… a fairy?”
