“Duchess Avril Lancester. I shall be in your care starting today.”

Samuel gave a beautiful, courtly, bow and scrape with those words. Avril almost broke into applause without realizing it. Or rather, she wasn’t even aware herself but might have already started to clap.

However, thanks to what seemed to be a warning cough from Chris, who apparently noticed, Avril barely managed, if it could be called that, to restrain herself. At any rate, she gently lowered the clasped hands she held before her chest.

This won’t do. I was told to teach him strictly…!

Two weeks had passed since the garden party hosted by Alexandra where the request from the Brandner Marquis Household to provide Samuel with etiquette instruction had been accepted. Today was the day he arrived at the Duke of Lancester’s townhouse and would reside for the next half year while learning the comportment befitting a noble.

Except, Samuel’s manners as a noble’s son were already perfect when I met him two years ago at the salon concert…!

Avril found herself wondering if there might be anything left for her to teach him. As she did, Samuel continued his self-introduction.

“I’m the fifth son of the Brandner Marquis Household. I have four older brothers. My first brother is a violinist and a skirt-chaser. My second brother is a cellist and a strategist. My third brother is a pianist and a kind person. My fourth brother plays the viola and is an artist.”

“The eldest brother is a skirt-chaser…?”

Was it just my imagination? Among the members of the Brandner Marquis family, who gave the impression of being both dazzling and steady, was an odd description that seemed entirely out of place. Regardless, Avril this time truly did give a round of applause at that self-introduction themed around a family of musicians.

“The wise and gentle violinist, Lord Samuel Brandner. May I call you Samuel while you are here?”

“Of course. Then I shall address you as Madam Lanchester.”

“That’s a bit too formal. Would you call me Lady Avril?”

Samuel seemed a bit surprised at those words.

“Lady… Avril?”

He seemed unsure over whether addressing the lady of the house where he would be receiving his instruction in such a way was proper or not.  Had it been one of his four elder brothers, they would have simply ignored Avril’s request and continued to address her as “Madam” without hesitation.

Samuel, however, smiled with the innocence of a child.

“I understand, Lady Avril. I am inexperienced, but I humbly ask for your guidance.”

In an instant, the entrance of the townhouse seemed to brighten.

This looks like it will be a delightful half-year…!

Avril wasn’t the only one who seemed to think so. She thought she heard sighs of admiration escape from servants lined up behind her.

That evening, with Dylan who had returned from an outing, the three of them were to have dinner together. Lavish dishes were lined so tightly within the main dining room that hardly any space was left. Both Samuel and Avrils’ eyes sparkled at the same time.

“Wow, it all looks amazing!”

“For some reason, even Lady Avril appears delighted.”

Avril nodded at Samuel’s confusion.

“I requested dishes that people your age would enjoy. All of these are dishes that I love as well.”

As Avril proudly responded, she could tell that Dylan, seated beside her at the table, let out a faint laugh.

“These are different from what we usually have. Not only is it refreshing, but I have fond memories for many of them. Doing things like this can be quite enjoyable, as well.”

Today, at the center of the large dining table were dishes such as meat pounded thin and fried with cheese and ham inside, a baked dish of stewed minced meat layered with mashed potatoes, and rice sautéed in tomato sauce. It was all food beloved by children.

There were also sweet Danish breads along with cute animal-shaped ones. Even the desserts, fruits and cakes that normally appeared after the meal, had today been arranged at the center of the table from the very start.

All of them were popular as home-style dishes for children in this country, yet to Avril herself, they were foods she had not been very familiar with as a child. Back then, she had only eaten leftovers.

Of course, she still liked those humble foods well enough, but she believed that the longings one had as a child would always remain in one’s heart.

Even after she married and found happiness, the Duke of Lancester’s dining table was always set with full courses. They were luxurious, delicious, and something to be grateful for. They truly made her happy. At the same time, childlike dishes as these were rarely ever seen.

“Moreover, today, thanks to the chef’s thoughtfulness, we can make our own children’s lunch in a buffet style.”

Before each of them was a large decorative plate with rims adorned with intricate designs. Normally, such plates were meant to be admired before the meal began, but today was different.

“You take whatever dishes you like, as much as you like, and arrange them however you please…!”

“Wow. That’s a wonderful idea.”

Samuel’s clear delight made Avril’s cheeks loosen from happiness.

Chris asked Dylan, “Shall I prepare your portion, Lord Dylan?” Her husband, however, cheerfully shook his head happily.

“It’s all right. I want to do it myself.”

Avril felt reassured hearing that. Dylan wasn’t merely humoring them, but truly enjoying himself. At the same time, she recalled how Grace and Chris had looked at her with gentle eyes while preparations were underway. They most likely had seen though her, they had noticed that she was enjoying herself.

Regardless, that wasn’t a problem. Within the Duke of Lancester’s residence, Avril was no longer a villainess. She felt nothing but gratitude for having a place where she could live in peace. After confirming that Samuel had happily finished arranging his food on his plate, Avril’s eyes sparkled anew.

Now which dishes should I take for my plate…?!

Samuel, who had been intently watching Avril, blinked once and then set down his cutlery.

“In preparation for being in the care of the Duke of Lancester’s household for education in etiquette, have conducted some research on what I believe to be important matters.”

My, as expected of you! And what was it that you researched?”

“Villainesses.”

Avril nearly choked.

---

<Previous Chapter

Next Chapter>