I’m The Real Daughter, But I Don’t Want To Go Back To The Duke’s Estate - Chapter 48

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Cecilia greeted the Countess of Seres gracefully like a butterfly.

 

“Hello, teacher.”

 

“….”

 

However, the Countess did not look very satisfied.

 

She stared quietly at Cecilia, then clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction.

 

“Our Cecilia. Isn’t that movement quite unladylike?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“The angle when you bow your head is too deep. And the hand movement when you lower your dress hem too. It’s not graceful at all.”

 

“….”

 

Cecilia bit her lower lip tightly.

 

But the Countess’s words were not yet finished.

 

“More than that, Cecilia. Did you ask the Duchess about purchasing a new harp?”

 

“…A harp?”

 

“Yes. I told you that handling at least two instruments is basic for an excellent lady.”

 

The Countess scolded her as if it were obvious.

 

“I already spoke to Konzern Instrument Shop, but they said the Duke’s household still hasn’t contacted them. What’s going on?”

 

“That’s….”

 

Cecilia found herself at a loss for words.

 

That was because harps were quite expensive among instruments.

 

Considering the Lusert Ducal Family’s economic situation, it wasn’t a huge expense, but generally speaking, it wasn’t something one could casually ask for.

 

Of course, it was common for noble daughters to play at least one instrument.

 

That’s why Cecilia had been learning piano for a long time.

 

In that situation, she honestly didn’t understand why she needed to learn another instrument.

 

Moreover.

 

‘Why did she specifically designate buying a harp from Konzern?’

 

There were many other instrument shops in the world.

 

Of course, she figured the teacher had her own reasons, but it still felt somewhat uncomfortable….

 

“I’m sorry, I haven’t mentioned it yet.”

 

“…”

 

The Countess’s gaze immediately turned cold.

 

“Cecilia, I’m sorry but you seem to lack will.”

 

“Will?”

 

“Yes. You need to achieve perfection as a princess, but you’re not active enough in your lessons. Since you have no will to learn, your attitude is like that.”

 

The Countess spoke sarcastically for all to hear.

 

“That’s why you always show inadequate behavior, isn’t it?”

 

Cecilia’s expression darkened.

 

“Konzern Instrument Shop said they already prepared a harp for you, but continuing to hesitate like this is also impolite.”

 

“….”

 

“Anyway, make the purchase quickly. My reputation is suffering because of you. Understood?”

 

After giving such earnest instructions, the Countess didn’t hide her displeased expression and gestured with her chin.

 

“Fine. Try walking once. Today let’s review how to walk gracefully.”

 

“Yes, teacher.”

 

After taking a short deep breath, Cecilia began to step forward carefully.

 

But that was only for a moment.

 

“Stop, stop!”

 

The Countess of Seres shook her head irritably and scolded sharply.

 

“You’re swaying too much. As the princess of the Lusert Ducal Family, shouldn’t you show a more beautiful appearance?”

 

“…I’m sorry.”

 

Cecilia, who had turned pale, walked again.

 

But the problem was that Cecilia was already too nervous.

 

As a result, her movements couldn’t help but become stiff.

 

Meanwhile, the Countess who had been observing that appearance closely stood up.

 

“This won’t do. You need teaching so you can focus more on refining your bearing.”

 

“….”

 

Cecilia stared at the Countess of Seres in a completely frozen state.

 

The Countess smiled brightly.

 

It was quite an affectionate smile.

 

“How much teaching would you like to receive?”

 

“…I, I would like to receive it five times.”

 

At that answer, the Countess frowned deeply.

 

“Do you really think you can learn properly with just that?”

 

“….”

 

“Our Cecilia, I’m disappointed that you seem to have no enthusiasm for studying.”

 

At the same time, a vicious smile appeared on the Countess’s face.

 

“Still, it’s a teacher’s duty to correct a wayward student, isn’t it?”

 

A moment later.

 

The Countess picked up a long pointer.

 

Usually it’s said to be used for pointing at sentences written on a blackboard, but the Countess’s actual purpose was….

 

“Extend your arms.”

 

The Countess spoke quite generously.

 

Cecilia, who bit her lower lip hard, rolled up her dress sleeves.

 

Then she extended both arms side by side and bowed her head obediently.

 

The Countess swung the pointer with a satisfied face.

 

Smack!

 

“…!”

 

Sharp pain struck her entire body.

 

Cecilia squeezed her eyes shut.

 

A moment later.

 

The Countess took out an ointment from her bosom.

 

“Your arm, would you give it here?”

 

Cecilia extended her arm while trying to endure the pain.

 

The Countess began to gently apply ointment over the completely reddened and scratched white arm.

 

At the same time, something amazing happened.

 

Wherever the ointment soaked in, the wounds began to clearly fade.

 

After doing this for a while.

 

“You know what, Cecilia?”

 

The Countess, who had been quietly looking down at the arm where the wounds had completely disappeared, suddenly spoke.

 

“The Countess of Lusert was very pleased to hear about your achievements.”

 

Instantly, Cecilia lifted her head up.

 

A trembling voice flowed from between her lips.

 

“Re, really?”

 

“Of course. I’ll continue to do my best as an intermediary.”

 

The Countess smiled quite generously.

 

“So that the Duchess will continue to cherish you.”

 

“Th, thank you.”

 

Cecilia’s expression brightened cheerfully.

 

The Countess’s smile deepened even more.

 

“Where else would you find a teacher who thinks of her student as much as I do. Don’t you think so?”

 

At the same time, words that the Duchess used to say habitually came clearly to Cecilia’s mind.

 

“The Countess of Seres was a teacher who once taught me. Thanks to her, I was able to learn one by one what kind of bearing I should have as a noble daughter.”

 

“Cecilia, you should also follow your teacher’s guidance well and become a splendid lady.”

 

…And even the Duchess’s bright smile.

 

Why was that?

 

Mother had spoken so kindly to me.

 

So why does my heart ache like this….

 

“You’re absolutely right.”

 

Watching Cecilia nod weakly, the Grand Countess narrowed her eyes.

 

“Also, there’s something I want to ask you.”

 

Cecilia silently stared at the Grand Countess.

 

“The most important quality of a lady is silence.”

 

The Grand Countess continued speaking gently.

 

“I trust you won’t go around carelessly talking about what happened today. You understand that would bring shame to both your mother’s and my reputation, don’t you?”

 

“I’ll keep that in mind, teacher.”

 

At Cecilia’s obedient response, the Grand Countess’s expression became even more gentle.

 

“I’m truly sorry for hurting you.”

 

The Grand Countess firmly grasped Cecilia’s hands.

 

“Please don’t resent me. All of this teaching will become nourishment to help you become a more splendid lady.”

 

“Yes, I think so too.”

 

Cecilia forced herself to smile at the Grand Countess.

 

But why was that?

 

…Why did the depths of her heart keep stinging, as if she had swallowed a handful of glass shards.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————