Chapter 8 Etiquette Class With Mother
We managed to make up as a family.
That said, just because we've patched things up verbally doesn't mean we can forget everything that happened before and suddenly start getting along happily from tomorrow. If that were possible, no one would have any struggles.
In other words, my plan to make the Granbell family all friendly is still far from over. I need to help my father and mother get along better, especially since their relationship still feels a bit... stiff.
"So, I really appreciate Lisa for always taking care of me, but... um, could you let me bathe by myself?"
"No way. If you want to be cute, it's important to wash those hard-to-reach places properly while bathing."
Lisa, also in her birthday suit, gently scrubs my *naked* body.
Yes, I'm currently Count Granbell's daughter, Yumie Granbell.
Having a caretaker while bathing feels almost *luxurious*, which is nice. But since I'm a girl, it's only natural the caretaker is also a woman.
Looking at YumYum's body is fine; maybe because I'm aware it's "my body," I don't feel anything unusual about it. In fact, it's important to check my shape regularly to decide on outfits, so I think I need to check every day.
However, Lisa's body is a different story.
My self-consciousness as a guy screams that it's *wrong* to look.
"And, my lady... if you keep your eyes closed like that while I'm washing you, I don't think you'll be able to bathe alone anytime soon."
"There's a very deep reason for this! It's not that I'm scared of getting soap in my eyes or anything like that!!"
To avoid looking at Lisa's body, this is the only solution.
Well, it seems Lisa thinks I'm genuinely scared of soap getting in my eyes, and she gives me this 'adorably' sympathetic look...
but I guess I can tolerate that.
"Yes, yes, young lady, you are quite adorable."
"Ugh, ugh..."
Correction: That's still embarrassing in its own way.
I may be cute, but that's not the kind of cuteness I'm aiming for!
While receiving Lisa's warm gaze, I made it through bath time, which felt like both heaven and hell.
I wrapped myself in a dress that highlighted my warm, shiny skin and twirled in front of the mirror.
Yep, I'm cute today too!
"It's almost time for our appointment, so let's go."
"Okay!"
After getting all dressed up, I followed Lisa to Mother's room.
Starting today, Mother would personally teach me about manners and etiquette.
If I show my enthusiasm and do well here, I might be able to get along with Mother too...
Let's do this!
"You've come well. Now, come in."
"Yes! Lisa, see you later."
"Yes, good luck, young lady."
After parting with Lisa, I entered Mother's room.
Being a Countess, her room was incredibly spacious, even though it was just for one person, so there was more than enough space for etiquette lessons.
The decor, with its calm colors and elegant furniture, exuded a refined atmosphere, making me feel like I had to sit up straight just by being there.
"Alright, let's get started with the lesson right away."
As I looked around the room, Mother jumped straight into it without any small talk.
I wanted to chat a bit, but considering everything that's happened, it would be tough to suddenly have a friendly conversation after just yesterday.
Right now, we needed some time to gradually talk and get used to each other, even if it was under the pretense of a lesson.
"Yes, I look forward to it!"
Thinking that, I tried to keep a big smile as I entered the lesson.
And then it began.
"Yumie, your back is hunched. If you walk like that, the books will fall. Focus on your fingertips and keep your back straight."
"Y-yes!"
My Mother was 'extremely' strict.
Yeah, I thought I had been abused all this time, but maybe it wasn't abuse; maybe she was just naturally too strict.
While I was gaining a new discovery that made me unsure whether to be happy or sad, I had a book balanced on my head.
I stood straight, walked around, and did various things like bowing, all while keeping the book in place.
Even when I thought I was doing pretty well, Mother showed no mercy and pointed out every little detail with sharp criticism.
Yeah, if I were really just a normal ten-year-old girl, I'd probably be crying by now, right?
"That's not good at all. If you drop the book again, dinner will be──oh, never mind."
Suddenly, Mother turned her face away and fell silent.
I could clearly tell what she was about to say, even if she didn't finish her sentence.
It seemed like she regretted those words almost slipping out.
"...Let's call it a day for now. You can rest."
Maybe Mother herself was taught strictly like this when she was little.
So, perhaps she's unsure how to interact with me other than throwing harsh words my way.
But all of this is just my guess.
I know I'm just holding onto a childish wish that things could be like this.
But I want to believe in Mother's words when she said it's okay for me to be here and that she wants to start over as a family.
"Mother!"
I called out to the still-downcast Mother.
She looked up with a hint of fear in her eyes, and I gave her a big smile.
"Thank you for today! I look forward to tomorrow too!"
Hehe, it was a childish laugh that didn't seem very noble, but right now, expressing my feelings is more important than being polite.
It's okay if I'm clumsy.
I don't mind making mistakes.
So, I want her to engage with me more... over and over again, and to exchange words.
Someday, I want us to be able to proudly say that we're important family to each other.
"...Yes. Let's do our best together again tomorrow."
Mother placed her hand on my head and gently stroked it.
Both her hand and my own felt a little more natural than yesterday, and I thought maybe we were able to connect with a slightly more genuine smile.
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