Chapter 73

From then on, every day, in addition to her regular duties, Scarlett was taught.

After all, the garden party was just around the corner. There was no time to waste!

"That's right, just like that. Yes, you're doing well."

"Ugh... Why do I have to do such things..."

After Sebastian gave a lecture on tea, it seemed that she already knew the types of tea leaves, as she was a noble lady. However, when it came to high-quality tea leaves, things were a bit questionable.

Just the brewing method, the difference in taste, appearance, what kind of drinking method was appropriate, what kind of snacks were desirable, the brand of teacups, how to handle them, and what type of sugar to use with the tea... as the things to remember increased, her face began to twitch.

Yeah, well, I can understand how she feels.

Sebastian's lectures are particularly strict. Maina almost cried at first... but she must learn. At the garden party, there will be wealthy merchants in attendance, and a maid with vague and half-baked knowledge is sure to be ridiculed.

If she can smile and say, "I'm sorry, I don't know," when she doesn't know something, that would be fine, but this is Scarlett...

Either she'll get angry and sulk, ruining the guests' mood, or they'll find her amusing like a rare animal... either way, it will be a topic of conversation among the maids!

Yes, yes.

I won't let that happen. This garden party is practically Princess Primera's first official duty; such a blunder cannot be allowed!

So, today I'm focusing on teaching her the "brewing method."

"Can't you just drink tea?!"

"Wouldn't a noble lady be angry if she was served such a thing?"

"Of course, she would... but, well... I'm a marchioness' daughter..."

"If you're a marchioness' daughter, why don't you think about the quality of the servants?"

"Huh?"

This girl tends to cling to the fact that she is a marchioness' daughter, so when I switch her perspective, she often listens more honestly. If she finds something, I praise her, and she tends to look quite proud.

Of course, there are many times when I get frustrated before she gets there, so I can't say I handle her well... but I think she is finally starting to take shape as a maid.

"Would you feel welcomed if you were a guest at a house where you were served dirty teacups and saucers, and lukewarm, tasteless tea, placed rudely in front of you?"

"...No."

"Then let's say you feel welcomed, but the nerve of the host to put such a servant in front of the guests. What would you think of that house?"

"...At the very least, I wouldn't think it was a place where someone could be in a position of authority... Not only can they not educate their servants, but to put such an embarrassing person in front of others..."

"Yes, exactly. Have you ever thought about such things when you were a marchioness' daughter?"

"Huh?"

The Pigeot family is only nominally a marquess family and, unfortunately, cannot be called a wealthy household... but considering her manners, I don't think they were careless about education. Given her personality, I can't help but wonder about her upbringing.

Since it has been a marquess family for generations, the education of the servants must have been thorough.

"...It wasn't as high-level as the royal palace... but there were no such terrible servants. I took it for granted..."

"Yes, the marquess family has been educated to maintain its dignity. Even if they are not nobles, a certain level is required of those who support them. Let's ask you this."

"..."

"We serve not just any noble, but the royal family, who symbolize this country. Is a noble lady who serves them satisfied with this level?"

The key is to make her feel that she can go even higher!

No, I'm not lying. If she learns properly, I will teach her. Even in the royal palace, the maids vary in quality, but I am one of the head maids. If she wishes, I will teach her thoroughly.

"...But... I am a marchioness' daughter, and I am meant to use people, not serve them..."

Oh, this method didn't work this time.

But with this hesitant atmosphere, I should push harder.

"To use people, you need to understand them to some extent. You don't need to do the cooking or the menial work, but as someone who uses others, you should know that the people you use also need dignity. I thought you might want to aim higher... but if you don't, there's nothing I can do."

"Huh?"

"At the garden party, the serving will be limited to just carrying and distributing. Your manners when walking are passable, and I think you have memorized the faces of the guests... as for conversation, it's a bit difficult. So, a smile would be good."

"Huh, wait, wait..."

"What is it?"

"What am I supposed to do then?!"

"So, just focus on carrying and distributing the food and drinks. If you don't have to brew tea in front of them, just stick to greetings."

"That's... so..."

She's not very good at conversation. Unfortunately, her tone of voice is still immature.

Her fashion sense is also quite outdated, favoring primary colors over the current trends. If she starts thinking she's better than others, just imagine the backlash from the noble ladies... it would make your stomach hurt!

Not to mention, she knows nothing about politics or economics. She understands that nobility alone can't run things, but she thinks that talented people can do anything... like they can come up with brilliant ideas or make decisions when needed... what, like some kind of superhero?

I don't deny that there are geniuses, but I want her to understand that things don't run on genius alone. Leadership and decision-making are honed through experience.

Most people aren't geniuses, so they work hard and gain experience... but this girl, she's just a child.

There are some geniuses in the world, like our Crown Prince and Princess Primera...

But they are a very small minority.

"Given the limited topics and the fact that not everyone will share your interests, it's important as a maid to serve with a smile. You might even receive a letter from someone who likes your appearance."

"Hans would be heartbroken if I accepted such a thing!!"

Being devoted is good, but this girl is a bit twisted...

She wants to turn him down with a "Too late!" if he ever turns to her... but in reality, if he ever turned to her and courted her, she would probably fall for him. She's all talk.

And whether she can even get him to turn to her is questionable!

Moreover, according to Lord Aldar Saul, the hero-like adventurer's daughter has captured the heart of her secret admirer, and we've been asked to keep it from Scarlett to prevent her from going on a rampage.

Hmm... this is complicated!

Me? I'm calm!

I understand my feelings, but thinking about what will happen after the garden party makes my heart feel like it's about to explode, so I'm not thinking about it now. Yeah, well, it doesn't solve anything, but...