Chapter Title: Know Your Place
Cesare didn't help Madame Flavia; instead, he watched with an intrigued expression. "…Hmph!" Finally, Madame Flavia clicked her tongue loudly and stormed out of the room. As soon as she left, Cesare, still chuckling, spoke up.
"Not bad."
"Thank you."
"Hmm. So, how are you getting along?"
"Fine, thanks to your care." Cesare's eyes crinkled as he smiled brightly.
"If you need anything, let Epony know."
"Yes." There was no mention of her bruises. Fortunately. As Adèle stood there silently, she noticed Cesare's eyebrows knit together despite his pleasant smile. His dimples, contrary to their playful appearance, were accompanied by piercing golden eyes that waited expectantly. Realizing her role belatedly, Adèle added,
"…Have you been well, brother?"
"Hmm." Only then did his golden eyes, adorned with tear-shaped moles, glimmer like stars. It seemed she had barely passed his test.
"I'm always the same. But it's a bit disappointing that my sister doesn't come to see me."
"…I thought you might be busy and didn't want to impose."
"I'm not so heartless toward family."
"I'll visit more often from now on." Cesare smiled again, but this time he remained silent. …What did I say wrong this time? She wished she could at least sigh. Cesare, sensing Adèle's nervousness, said,
"My sister isn't as compliant as she appears. Madame Flavia will have quite a task." …But I thought I was rather compliant just now. Cesare straightened from his leaning position.
"If you simply nod and agree, it will be less tiring. Even though she has an elitist attitude, she also has a great deal of sympathy."
"…" Adèle finally understood what these high-ranking people wanted. They wanted her to bow, beg for sympathy, and grovel. That was the image they and the aristocrats desired from their inferiors. After a moment of silence, Adèle asked,
"…Do you mean I should act pitiful?"
"Is that just an act?" Cesare asked in a cheerful tone. "It's not an act, is it? You are pitiful. And since you've lived that way all your life, you should at least know what the smart choice is."
"…"
"Hmm? Adelaide." His sweet smile was inviting her to speak her mind if she had something to say. It almost seemed like he wanted her to argue. Staring into his beautiful golden eyes, Adèle quietly bowed her head.
"I'm sorry. I will do my best." _I refuse to be someone's entertainment._
"…" The spark in Cesare's eyes died instantly. It felt as if, with that one sentence, Adèle had been categorized in his mind as just another "ordinary commoner girl."
"Hmm." Cesare murmured, stroking his chin. "Everyone loses interest so quickly."
"…" At that moment, Epony cautiously intervened.
"Young master… The lady needs to finish her bath. It's not proper to leave her in this state." It was a timely interruption. Cesare shrugged his broad shoulders and smirked.
"She doesn't seem to mind." He then walked out of the room without a word of farewell, as if he had lost interest in the whole affair. The two morning intruders were gone. Only then did a small sigh of relief escape her. Watching with a calm gaze, Epony carefully spoke.
"…Shall we continue your bath?" Adèle, who had swallowed her rising emotions, nodded slightly.
"Yes." She headed back to the bathroom as if nothing had happened and immersed herself in the now lukewarm water. As the sound of water echoed softly in the bathroom, Adèle asked after a while,
"But do you think she will really come back to teach me?"
"When the young master decides on something, it always happens."
"I see." The word "Bonaparte" truly is magical. Adèle nodded and buried her head in the water.
---
The next day, Madame Flavia Loredan did indeed return to see Adèle. In the long gallery of the Bonaparte mansion, now closed to other visitors, under the gilded portraits and frescoes of mermaids on the ceiling, Madame Flavia sat on a corner sofa with a displeased expression. She frowned as she saw Adèle enter the gallery with Epony.
"Sigh…"
"…" She had followed orders but still seemed displeased with the situation. Madame Flavia rose from her seat, holding a short stick. Epony quietly moved to stand by the wall.
"Adelaide… Bonaparte." The haughty lady in a blue silk dress clicked her tongue in front of Adèle.
"You should bow a hundred times and thank Lord Cesare. If it weren't for his words, I wouldn't be here for someone like you."
"Yes."
"The name Bonaparte is not something someone like you should carry. The great blue star on your chest is an affront to the goddess."
"Yes, I understand."
"Understand? What do you know about Bonaparte? Your mouth is more reckless than a street tree's leaves. Don't speak carelessly."
"Yes, I will be careful." Adèle answered like a doll. Madame Flavia's face, which had been watching her calmly, gradually twisted like a demon's.
"Dirty girl…"
"…"
"Of course, Lord Cesare asked me to turn you into a 'lady.' But before that, a shoe shiner like you needs a different kind of education." Madame Flavia arrogantly tapped the stick against her other hand.
"Kneel." Adèle stood there, stunned for a moment, before asking.
"Pardon?" Madame Flavia's face twisted even more fiercely.
"Didn't you hear? Kneel." The intense hostility radiating from her left Adèle momentarily speechless. She felt sorrow. Why does this woman hate me so much? Because I'm a shoe shiner? It seemed she wanted to hurt Adèle deeply. But if that was her goal, she had chosen the wrong method. A shoe shiner's knees hold no value. Feeling weary, Adèle knelt in front of Madame Flavia.
"Hmph!" Madame Flavia clicked her tongue as if even this wasn't satisfactory and pressed her satin shoe against Adèle's thigh.
"Remember to keep that attitude. Understood? The first thing I will teach you is to know your place."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You are merchandise. Your only job is to be sold off quietly to the Della Valle family. If you aim for more, you will be fed to the sharks."
"Yes, ma'am." Satisfied, Madame Flavia removed her foot.
"Stand up." She tapped Adèle's knee with the stick. Adèle quietly stood.
"Even though I'm not pleased, we will begin your education. Starting with your posture." Madame Flavia gestured toward a box on the corner table with her chin. Understanding, Adèle went to retrieve it.
"These shoes will correct your clumsy walk. From now on, you will always wear them—even when I'm not instructing you." Inside the box was a pair of black leather shoes. They were plain with no decorations, but Adèle's heart began to race. They were the most beautiful shoes she had ever seen. The leather was glossy, and the design was elegant.
"Miss, I'll help you put them on." Epony stepped forward, but Madame Flavia raised her hand to stop her.
"If she can't put on shoes by herself, how can she expect to be educated by me?" Adèle wanted to ask if Madame Flavia put on her own shoes, but she felt only excitement as she placed the shoes on the floor. She felt elated. After all, they were new shoes. However, Adèle hesitated as she slid her feet into them. She looked up at Madame Flavia.
"Madame Flavia, the size…"
"I said put them on."
"…" The sly smile on the beautiful lady's lips finally became clear. Adèle glanced at Epony, but Epony only watched the situation with clear eyes and did not intervene. It seemed Cesare had agreed to tolerate "a certain amount of meanness."
_Of course._ The fleeting hope vanished quickly. Adèle silently put on the shoes. The size was a perfect fit for her feet—somehow. As soon as she wore them, her toes curled up in pain. As she stood up straight, Madame Flavia sneered and pointed to the end of the gallery with her stick.
"Then walk until I tell you to stop. From here to the end, continuously."