As Anna was about to leave the room, she stopped at the sound of a knock and looked at Serena’s face. No one would visit at this time, but Serena nodded first.

“I have a meeting with the Duchess.”

Anna lightly bowed to the entirely mismatched guest at this hour.

“I have something to discuss privately with the Duchess…”

Though an unexpected request, Serena’s expression remained calm.

“I was about to have tea. Please join me.”

As Serena gave her permission, Anna quickly prepared tea for both and discreetly retreated.

“I’ve been so busy preparing that I haven’t been able to pay much attention to you. I apologize.”

The Duchess took a sip of tea and made an incredulous remark, but Serena maintained a faint smile, just as she learned from Lady Abigail.

“Actually, the Duke of Sheurd is too busy to stay at the mansion… and I have neither been elegant nor relaxed while managing the whole mansion alone.”

Miranda’s self-reproach felt irritating, but Serena had her thoughts.

“I feel more apologetic and grateful since you’re preparing for the national marriage for me, who lost her mother early.”

The new Duchess was Miranda. In the future, she would push her daughter Lora as a candidate for Empress. By that time, the protagonist Elize would make a clear appearance and exploit her ambition.

“Lady Abigail recommended that Lora and you attend the same lessons. How about it?”

The intention was blatantly obvious. There was no need to meet Serena this late at night to complain unless for this reason.

“Ah, about that…”

As Miranda got straight to the point, a smile naturally appeared on her lips.

“Lora is still a child who knows nothing.”

Miranda took another sip of tea.

“But she’s already had her debut, and I thought she could help you.”

It was a laughable story, but Serena didn’t want to hear it for long.

“While taking etiquette lessons with me?”

“Yes. Young nobles in the capital usually learn etiquette together from a young age. There’s also something to be learned from watching each other.”

What Miranda said was true. However, it was entirely irrelevant to this situation.

How could basic etiquette lessons for young nobles compare to Serena’s intensive training meant for the future crown princess? Furthermore, the teacher was a legendary chamberlain who had already retired.

“That’s an interesting story.”

“…Yes?”

Grinning, Serena smiled.
“I was just thinking that I would like to have someone to learn with. As you say, madam, we could learn from each other…….”

“Isn’t it? Given how clever the Duke’s grace is, adding one more student will multiply the learning tenfold.”

Who knew the Duchess could even manage such a gracious smile.

After all, when considering Miranda’s future actions, her primary goal in life had been to properly educate Lora to become the empress.

How could she miss this opportunity to be guided by Lady Abigail?

“Hearing you speak, madam, makes me wish we had been together from the start.”

“Then… how about being with Lora starting tomorrow?”

Upon seeing the earnest eyes of Miranda, Serena nodded her head. Then Miranda’s face was already filled with joy.

“If it is alright with your grace, I’d like to request it myself.”

Though she had only been in the imperial capital for a few days, she quickly picked up the art of lying and social maneuvering.

“For the Duke’s grace, Lora should do her best. Both I and the entire House of Sheward are waiting only for the Duke’s spirit.”

“Alright.”

She had her own reasons for going along with such blatant lies.

“After Lady Abigail leaves, I’d like to practice by having tea time alone with Lora…… Would that be alright?”

“Of course. To be the Duke’s practice partner is an honor for Lora.”

Peter had scoured all sorts of information channels in the capital and Anna had heard all the women’s talk, but they couldn’t find Elise.

However, there was still one area left. A girl who had neither been out into the world nor was yet mature enough to be called a woman…… In other words, Lora.