Prepping For War

The more their lessons proceeds, the more Countess Miller gets surprised. It's a pleasant one and she acknowledges it.

They were still in the drawing-room having a small conversation. She listens closely and noticed that she's slowly being absorbed by Nadia's eloquence. The girl is quite charming…

"This is a fine tea," Countess Miller commented as she drinks.

Nadia smiles, "Yes it is! Mrs. Noel grows them in the greenhouse and is exclusive to the Herman Residence."

The Countess studied Nadia for a moment, "You are ready to have your social debut."

Nadia's eyes blinked at her and chuckles, "Thank you, Countess, but I think I will wait until next year. I still have a lot to learn."

The latter was even more impressed by how humble she was being. The truth is far from the rumors.

They talked a bit more until the time that the Countess has to go. Nadia wanted to follow her to her carriage but she insisted.

"Well, if that���s the Countess's wishes then I won't hold you back anymore," Nadia states.

Countess Miller smiled at her for the first time, face brightening as she did so which stunned Nadia.

"I will see you again," was her parting words, and finally left.

After the visitor had gone, Nadia's attendants sincerely congratulated her.

"Congratulations on the successful lesson today, milady!" Mari exclaims while beaming.

Nadia grinned in response, "Thank you~ Countess Miller was a great mentor. I look forward to meeting her again."

On the other hand, Countess Miller was being led by George to the Marquis's Study. George then knocked on the door before opening it.

"My Lord, Countess Miller is here to see you," George announced.

The Marquis, who was reading some documents, looked up and saw the Countess walked in. He then dropped what he was doing immediately.

"Countess."

"Marquis," She greets back, "I have come to tell you in person about your proposal."

Leon saw her looking so serious so he perked up, "I understand, Countess. But I hope you give my daughter a chance. She's trying to do her best…"

The Countess frowns and stared at him, "Marquis, don't jump to conclusions yet. I haven't rejected it right?"

He closed his mouth and furrowed his brows slightly in question.

"Then, do you mean…"

"Yes," Countess Miller interjects. "I accept the offer of being Nadia's tutor."

Leon was slightly surprised. After all, every single mentor that came to him all say the same thing. They quit. So hearing her staying is quite a shocking moment.

Leon heaved a relieved breath, "Thank you, Countess. I will leave Nadia to your hands."

Countess Miller smiles, "Nadia is a wonderful student. I don't understand why there are nasty rumors circulating about her."

"Ah, that." Leon pursed his lips, "I will deal with those."

Leon was aware of those rumors.

'Maybe it's time to take action.'

"I will take my leave then," the Countess declares.

After exchanging some pleasantries, the countess leaves. Leon was sitting in his chair, seeming deep in thought for a while, before he resumed working again.

------------------------------****

"Milady, a letter has arrived."

My head turned to Freesia who was holding a white envelope. We were on the balcony enjoying the sun and relaxing. The one-week break has been extended for another because the Academy staff had gone on an excursion. That's why I am still at home, either taking my etiquette lessons or playing around with Nathan.

And I meant, bugging him off from his duties. Fufufufufu~

He seems alright with it though.

"An invitation to a tea party?" I muttered as I read the content.

"Does milady plan to go?" Lily inquired.

I narrowed my eyes, "Hmm, do you know who is Kannan Fodder?"

The five of them looked deep in thought. When they didn't answer after some time, I took that as a sign that they haven't heard of her.

'I might have to ask someone then.'

"It's almost time for your lessons, milady," Erin reminded.

Ah! Right, I'll ask the countess about her.

"Let us go now then," I stated and stood up from the chair.

The five of them trailed after me as we made our way to the Drawing room.

It has been a week since the Countess had been teaching me. It wasn't entirely lecturing, most of the time, we would just sit and engage in small talks.

The countess then arrived after thirty minutes and both of us were sitting face to face and having tea.

"Countess, do you know a lady named Kannan Fodder?"

She nodded, "She's Count Fodder's youngest daughter, why?"

'Ah, a count.'

"Well, she had sent me an invitation to a tea party," I replied.

"Then you should accept it. It would be a good opportunity to gain connections before you have your social debut," she stated which put a smile on my face.

'It's not a bad idea, but I have to know who is invited first…'

It's not that I am being picky but, I want to know whom should I have to look out for. Social events like this tend to be pretty chaotic. Who knows that no one would trick me right?

'I should ask my brother to investigate.'

"I will attend just as what the Countess suggests," I declared.

Countess Miller then nods, "You have nothing to worry about because you are ready."

'I don't think I am though, but okay.'

"Thank you, Countess," I muttered.

--------------------**

After my lessons with her, I marched to the backyard to look for Nathan. He was nowhere in sight though…

"Uno, have you seen my brother?"

Uno then immediately stopped what he was doing and came closer to me. His red hair glittered like flames under the setting sun, which I find beautiful.

'This world sure has all the pretty things…'

"Sir Nathan had somewhere to go and I do not know when the young master would be back," he replied.

"Is that so…" I bit my lip as I think. "Ah, then, can I trouble you with something?"

Uno, without blinking, responded. "Of course, milady."

"Can you investigate the people who are invited to Count Fodder's tea party?"

Uno bowed slightly, "I will get to the tasks done before tomorrow."

'You really don't have to…'

"The party would be three days from now so you can take your time," I pacified. He might work himself overnight. "Then I will not hold you back from your training."

I smiled at Uno for the last time and proceeded to get inside. I have to answer Kannan's invitation after all.

It was after dinner when Nathan had come to my room again. And yes, he didn't knock.

I put down my hairbrush and looked at him with disproving eyes. He is getting a bad habit…

"Uno wanted to give this to you. You're going to a tea party?" He asked and handed me an envelope.

'Wow, Uno sure works fast.'

"Yes, I am." I pulled the stack of papers inside. It was thick, so I got confused for a moment.

There was a list on the first page and the next were composed of detailed information about the people on that list. A whole profile.

"Whaat--" I flipped a few and blinked. There was even information about their hobbies, likes, and dislikes.

"... I will leave now then."

I heard Nathan's low voice but didn't notice he was actually sulking.

Without looking up, I replied. "Okay, goodnight."

I was, after all, distracted by a familiar set of names on the list. He didn't utter a word but I heard the door closed.

"Ah! Gwen and Bea are also invited. Fufufufu~"

My eyes then read Rosamunde's name and my mood instantly soured.

"She's invited as well? Hmm…"

If Rosa would come, there is a big possibility of us bickering at that party.

"Is this a trap?" I mumbled and read the list again. So far, their names are the only ones that I am familiar with.

Sighing, "Whatever. Let's worry about that on the day of the tea party."

I placed it over the vanity table and stretched my body. For now, I will sleep.

---------------***

'Hmmm…'

"How about this one, milady?" Amy held up a flamboyant purple dress that has ribbons in it.

'Ribbons? Not a fan of it.'

Erin showed me a bright blue one, "No, this one will look good on milady."

'Blue? Too bright.'

"Cute," Freesia utters as she presented me with a black dress. It was revealing and looked totally adulty.

'How did I even own something like that? And what did she say? Cute?'

My eyes then saw Lily holding up a ball gown which made me sigh.

'I am not going to a ball…'

"Then milady, what color do you want to wear?" Mari interjects, putting me out of my misery.

I then remembered what those four uncultured ladies from before told me.

'Red doesn't suit you, Miss Nadia.'

"Red. I want to wear red." I stated.

They were invited. When I saw their names I had instantly heard their loud barkings on my head.

Mari then presented two red dresses. One has a puffy skirt and a big bow on its waistline. The other was long, off-shoulder with black laces.

"This one would suit milady," Mari offered, pertaining to the off-shoulder dress.

'Heh~ Mari knows what I like.'

"Then how about milady's necklace?" Erin asked.

I tapped my foot on the floor and surveyed the row of jewelry. My eyes then stopped at the shimmering black necklace which had a green sheen on it. The color of adamantine…

There was also a pair of dangling earrings with it.

I pointed to the set, "This one."

The five of them nodded and looked at it in awe.

"Then for milady's hair," Lily voiced out.

A smirk showed up on my face, "Curl it. Big crazy curls. I want to look like a classic villainess."

They stared at me in confusion.

"But milady's hair is wavy and pretty, it would be a waste to curl it more!" Amy interjects.

'Ah, but I really wanted to though. Rosamunde is also there, I have to prep for battle.'

"That's right milady, your hair might get ruined if we ironed it," Mari seconded.

The room was filled with objections after that. They were telling me how it would make my hair dry and stuff...

'Seriously…'