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Chapter : 36
Amelia didn’t show it outwardly, but she was quite surprised. Just what qualities had this girl shown to be chosen as the future Lady of a noble house? There must be some extraordinary ability hidden beneath the surface.
Determined not to let her guard down by Miela’s seemingly innocent appearance, Amelia continued the lesson.
“Watch closely, Miss Miela. When holding a teacup, you use only your index finger and thumb to grasp the handle, while your middle finger should gently support the base of the cup.”
Miela observed Amelia’s demonstration intently, not even blinking once.
“Now, it’s your turn, Miss Miela. Try holding the teacup just as I showed you.”
Finally, it was her time to try. Miela carefully replicated what she had seen.
“L-Like this?”
The trembling in her fingers from earlier had completely vanished. With precise and graceful movements, her imitation was nearly perfect.
“…!”
Amelia was genuinely flustered. Normally, she prided herself on maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, but this time was different.
There were none of the usual beginner’s mistakes—no over-gripping the handle in nervousness, no dropping the cup. Nothing!
I didn’t expect much because she’s from a commoner background… But how can she replicate it so perfectly after just one demonstration? It’s only possible if her powers of observation and mimicry are both exceptional.
This was a result that far exceeded expectations. Amelia suppressed her admiration and calmly assessed the situation.
“Oh my, you have quite a remarkable ability to learn.”
At this point, Amelia expected one of two reactions. The first was a display of modesty.
She’ll probably say something like, ‘Oh no, not at all,’ and give a shy smile.
That would indicate she had a natural talent for social grace. But more often than not, students would react the second way: getting smug and arrogant from a bit of praise. Unfortunately, that was common.
I hope she’s not the typical type. Arrogant students aren’t fun to teach.
But Miela’s reaction was completely unexpected. With a bright, innocent face, she asked,
“But Lady Luxran, what does ‘remarkable’ mean?”
“…Pardon?”
Amelia couldn’t help but show a blank expression, very unlike her usual composed self.
She quickly regained her composure, but it was too late. For the first time since becoming a manners instructor, she had shown a crack in front of a student!
“Um, you see… I’m still not very good with difficult words.”
Miela’s comment reminded Amelia of something she’d momentarily forgotten: that the girl was from a commoner background. It was basic teaching protocol to tailor lessons to the student’s level—and she had just failed that.
Indeed, she’s different from the typical noble children. But that’s not a bad thing.
Amelia found the girl’s eagerness to learn, without any shame in asking questions, quite admirable as a teacher.
“‘Remarkable’ means that you’re better at something compared to others,” Amelia explained.
Understanding dawned in Miela’s eyes, and she asked in amazement,
“Ah! Then… does that mean you were complimenting me just now?”
“Well, yes, I suppose I was.”
Amelia smiled gently. Her teaching philosophy was clear: praise should not be handed out lightly. But when a student did something well, they deserved to be told so. A timely compliment could motivate them to try even harder.
“Even among the daughters of prestigious noble families, it’s rare to see someone replicate things so well on their first try.”
She wasn’t exaggerating. Miela had mimicked something Amelia had mastered over 40 years in just a few seconds.
Finally, Amelia had to admit it—this new student was far from ordinary.
Oh my gosh… I actually got praised!
Miela’s face lit up with barely contained pride. She had been worried she might get scolded before the lesson, but to her surprise, she was praised instead. It felt even better coming from a teacher who had looked so strict and stern.
Meanwhile…
In the adjacent room, Istin waited anxiously for Miela’s lesson to end.
“She might come out crying…”
He had a handful of handkerchiefs prepared in his arms, just in case. He feared the gentle Miela wouldn’t be able to handle harsh criticism and might burst into tears. He even put his ear to the wall, but no sound came through.
It should be ending around now.
Just then, the door to the next room opened, and he heard Lady Luxran’s heels clicking. The first lesson must be over.
Istin quickly stood and went to meet Miela.
“Miela, how was your first lesson—”
“Oh, Istin!”
He had expected her to be on the verge of tears. But instead, Miela was smiling brightly.
What just happened?
This was the last thing he expected. Istin froze mid-motion as he was about to pull out a handkerchief. Meanwhile, Miela began to chatter excitedly.
“It was so much fun! I can’t wait for the next lesson!”
“That so? I’m glad to hear it.”
He answered calmly, but inside he was dying to know what had happened during the lesson to make her so happy.
Lady Amelia Luxran…
Istin recalled Miela’s etiquette instructor.
She had a reputation for being an exceptional teacher, but also for being strict and brutally honest in her evaluations. Her cold personality didn’t soften even for students of high status.
There were even rumors that a royal princess once shed tears after being taught by her.
She had earned the nickname “The Sharp-Tongued Lady.” In fact, Istin had once asked his mother if they could find a different teacher for Miela, concerned about the woman’s stern nature. But Regina had been firm.
“I know how much you care for Miela. I treasure her too. That’s exactly why I chose someone who will prevent other nobles from criticizing her background.”
“Wait… you chose Lady Luxran for that reason?”
“Yes. If she can master etiquette flawlessly, no one will dare say a word. And the finest teacher I know is Lady Luxran. There was no other choice.”
Recalling that conversation, Istin cautiously asked Miela,
“So, what did you learn today?”
“Hmm… We learned about manners during tea time! It was a bit difficult, but I think I managed! Oh, and I even got praised!”
It was as if she had been waiting for that question—Miela answered in rapid-fire excitement. Only then did Istin understand why she looked so thrilled.
That infamously strict Lady Luxran praised her?
The woman wasn’t the type to give empty compliments. That meant Miela must’ve genuinely done well.
Relieved but also a bit melancholy, Istin realized something—more and more people were starting to see Miela’s true worth.
That could be a problem!
A few hours later — Late Afternoon Tea Time
At a garden table in the estate’s backyard, the three members of House Balloir sat together. No—now that Miela, the future Lady of the house, was present, it was more accurate to say four. In any case, it was rare for the whole family to gather like this.
“Hmmm…”
Yurhan let out a soft murmur. Everyone at the table was focused on one thing—Miela’s small, diligent hands.
“Am I doing this right?”
From tilting the teapot to pour out the rosy tea, to delicately lifting the cup—there was not a single misstep. The Duke and Duchess responded with generous applause.
“Yes, very well done. Perfect.”
“Hehe, thank you.”
Miela beamed with pride. She had been nervous about trying what she learned in a real setting, but was relieved not to have made any mistakes.
Watching her warmly, Regina whispered in satisfaction…
