Chapter 8: Not bridal training?
The day after the grand feast, I was feeling rather sluggish and spent the entire day in bed. I had overindulged in food and drink. The physician gave me similar advice and I sipped on digestive tea instead of eating a proper meal.
According to Melissa, these types of celebrations occur when something significant happens. Although not everyone, including the guards and the commoners, are able to partake in the festivities equally, soldiers are given a separate feast day and the people get to enjoy two festival weeks per year.
“I wonder if Melissa and her people have anything like that…”
“We come to the city and have a good time during the festival week. We receive extra pay and have alternating days off.”
I was pleased to hear that and after finishing my tea, I drifted off to sleep.
The next day, I woke up feeling rejuvenated and got ready for the day. I’ve been pampered ever since I arrived in this country, but as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, I must work hard on my bridal training.
I first visited the king’s office where His Highness was also present.
“Excuse me. ——Greetings once again. I am Claire, who came from the Faithnum Empire as your fiancée. I will do my best to serve this country.”
“Oh, Claire, let’s not be so formal. Think of us as your in-laws. I’m your father-in-law and my wife is your mother-in-law. So feel free to be at ease. Auglia, what are your plans for Claire?”
The King smiled warmly and turned to Prince Auglia to ask about my plans.
Huh? Why is the King asking His Highness about me? If it’s about my plans, the maids should know. I’ll be starting my training in lady’s etiquette soon after all…
“Of course. First, after inspecting all the departments, we will have Claire establish a new department. Depending on the results of the inspections, it will be a crucial position that will address any shortcomings in the country. Claire will be given full control, but Lord Balk will be assigned to provide the necessary knowledge about our country.”
“Excellent. If it’s Lord Balk, he is also more than capable of serving as a bodyguard. His workload may increase slightly, but it’s no problem.”
“Excuse me, may I interject?”
I interrupted the conversation.
The enemy nation…the one that saw this country as a mere colony…even though we suffered defeat, I still can’t quite reconcile with it…a position of authority? No, no, if I consider the sentiments of those who toil in the trenches…
And a bodyguard and aide? If he’s a lord, then he’s a nobleman, right? What…
“I thought I would be receiving bridal training…”
I blurted out those words without thinking.
The King and His Highness appeared taken aback, but I was the one who was supposed to be shocked.
“You are already quite impressive as a woman, but do you feel like there is something lacking?”
“Yes, you have excellent manners and social graces, but is there still something that troubles you?”
With trepidation, I must admit that in my home country, I am referred to as “The defeat of ladies’ education.”
I considered whether the expectations were different between the Faithnum Empire and the Baratonia Kingdom, before resolving to focus on what was expected of me in the Baratonia Kingdom.
“Understood, I will proceed as planned.”
“If you have any concerns or better ideas, speak to the head of the department. Also…”
“Yes?”
“Don’t cheat on Lord Balk, okay? Dinner is set for 7 PM tonight, and we will have tea afterwards. Please escort her to Lord Balk.”
I felt like snapping back, we only became engaged the other day, there’s no need to worry about me being unfaithful! But I understood that things were about to get hectic.
With a bitter expression, I bowed and was led by one of the officials to Lord Balk’s location.
