Chapter 6

For a moment, Cecilia couldn't understand what was being said to her.

Was there perhaps an unspoken rule within the school that, once a friendship contract was made, one was not allowed to have friendly conversations with other classmates?

Cecilia found this strange, but seeing the other female students around her also looking confused, it seemed there was no such unspoken rule.

"You, Lady Cecilia, only need to be friendly with us, your friends. This is also for your own good."

"Even though Lady Cecilia has a somewhat inferior bloodline, you are still of royal blood. We, from distinguished families, wish for you to learn the manners of a lady by closely observing us."

The two self-proclaimed friends said this with a smirk that was more mocking than a ladylike smile. Cecilia was taken aback by their overtly condescending tone.

Even if she was treated as a sore spot by the royal family, Cecilia was a legitimate princess, born to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. She had no reason to be treated this way by mere noble daughters.

"Well... I see, you must be under the illusion that you have perfectly mastered the manners of a lady."

Cecilia's lips softened into a gentle smile, and she narrowed her eyes affectionately.

Her expression remained demure and smiling, while her posture was straight and dignified. Even the slight movement of her fingers, as if in surprise, was graceful.

These were manners she had acquired when she was Adeline. The etiquette and manners she had learned as a duchess's daughter and future queen were far beyond what ordinary noble daughters could match.

Even just standing there, Cecilia exuded an overwhelming sense of grace.

The female students in the classroom held their breath, and even the two self-proclaimed friends looked stunned, at a loss for words.

"Are you telling me to adopt such an uncouth smile? It would be better to hide your mouth with a fan."

Without breaking her elegant smile, Cecilia spoke gently to the two self-proclaimed friends.

Their faces turned red with anger, but they couldn't find the words to retort. They turned away irritably and left.

"Ugh... My mother said you'd be no good, being the daughter of a woman of low breeding... And you were so timid just now, but now you're acting like a completely different person..."

Cecilia heard their muttered words.

Though she wondered what they meant, she didn't feel like confronting them. To escape the awkward atmosphere, she returned to her seat.

Cecilia sighed inwardly, regretting that she had said too much.

If she had been Adeline, she wouldn't have responded so emotionally.

Due to her upbringing, Cecilia had become timid and reserved, but perhaps she was naturally strong-willed and prone to emotional outbursts.

She nodded to herself, resolving to be more aware and cautious.

She then tried to recall the two self-proclaimed friends.

They were named Cynthia and Isabella, who had approached her, offering friendship, and behaved in a domineering manner.

At the time, Cecilia, being shy and unable to express her opinions, had gone along with it.

However, even if Cecilia had been an easy target, their overtly condescending and arrogant attitude was excessive, especially considering they had just met and knew little about her.

Cecilia wondered if they were trying to gain a sense of superiority by putting someone of higher status down, but it seemed a bit much so soon after her arrival.

"Oh..."

Then, something occurred to Cecilia, and she let out a small groan.

From her memories of her past life, their family names were the same as those of the Crown Prince Logan's former attendants.

The male students who were Logan's attendants had been infatuated with Helena, causing the noble daughters who were Logan's fiancées to lament.

While she didn't know what had become of them afterward, Helena had married Logan, and the attendants likely married their respective fiancées.

Perhaps the mothers of these self-proclaimed friends harbored resentment toward Helena, who had lured away their former fiancés.

They might have tried to take revenge through their daughters, who were now Cecilia's classmates.

Even if they hadn't actually tried to take revenge, they might have been influenced to look down on Cecilia, believing her to be an easy target.

If that were the case, it would be a very troublesome situation.

Not only for Cecilia, who had no personal connection to the matter, but also for the two girls who were now treating a princess with arrogance.

Most importantly, Cecilia was the reincarnation of Adeline, who had suffered the most at Helena's hands.

If she were to be on the receiving end of revenge because she was Helena's daughter, it would be too unjust.