Beatrice heaves a sigh at that memory. She can't believe she ended up accepting that child and was even busy preparing for a banquet for that child.
Ever since that agreement was done between them, Beatrice immediately started her work. She wants to show her husband that she will keep her word.
Even though it was against her will, she will pour a lot of effort into the banquet, as everyone will judge the outcome of the banquet.
At least if the backlash of that announcement is happening, they won't use the banquet as a way to get on her nerves.
As she also took the initiative to train the child in basic etiquette, she also needs to give her attention to that child that harbors her hatred at the moment.
In order to see where she should start the training, she needs to meet that child in person. And out of curiosity, she also ordered a background check for that child.
From what she found out, that child has been living in an orphanage ever since she was four years old and was suffering at the hands of the staff in that improper orphanage.
When she found out that information, one thought came into her mind.
Magnus didn't keep the child a secret but only found her recently, and that woman was dead long ago.
A sense of relief came into her as she discovered it. She knew that it was a disgusting emotion when we feel relieved about finding out that someone was dead, but for Beatrice, it was a big piece of information that made her feel at ease.
That means that Magnus won't leave me for that woman.
Beatrice snapped back from her deep thought as she heard footsteps coming her way. She glanced to her right and caught sight of a petite figure walking towards her.
Silver hair with a lavender undertone caught her gaze.
Did that woman have those hairs too?
When Calista came closer to the pavilion and caught sight of Beatrice sitting alone under it, she walked closer to it, then lifted her eyes and met Beatrice's honey-colored eyes staring intently at her.
Calista turned stiff, then halted just a few steps away from Beatrice, then awkwardly lifted her dress and bowed her head respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Grace," she greeted.
With a heated gaze, Beatrice observed Calista's actions.
Awkward actions, but at least she knew how to greet someone of high status.
"Your name is Calista, right?" Beatrice asked leisurely, masking her true emotions.
Calista stood up straight and responded, "Yes, Your Grace."
"Hmm, take a seat. Our conversation will take some time."
Calista glances at the chair on the other side of the table, then reluctantly goes to take a seat.
Calista glances at the delicacies laid in front of her as she awkwardly sits on the chair.
"First of all, you might be wondering why I summoned you," Beatrice started while observing Calista.
"Y-yes, Your Grace. What's your intention, may I ask?"
"My intention is of great importance. Have you heard of the banquet that will be held for you?"
"I heard, Your Grace."
"Did the duke mention it?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
Beatrice nodded her head, deep in thought.
They are close.
"I'm the one preparing it."
Beatrice watched as the child's teal eyes slowly widened in shock.
"I-it's an honor, Your Grace," Calista stuttered.
Beatrice waved her hand, dismissing it. "Don't be. I'm doing it out of responsibility."
Calista didn't respond, as she knew the meaning behind it.
Beatrice saw Calista's uncomfortable expression and was deep down satisfied before she decided to set aside her emotion and do what she was supposed to do.
"Not minding that, the reason that I summoned you is to let you know that I will train you in basic etiquette. As you are aware, our family is one of the most powerful in the country, so expect a lot of important individuals to show up. We can't let a single mistake from you tarnish our family," Beatrice said with great emphasis.
"I understand," Calista responded obediently.
"Then good. We'll start that as soon as tomorrow."
...
As soon as the next day came, Calista's day became busy.
First thing in the morning, Calista's first lesson is etiquette and social graces, where she is focusing on her behavior. It took 1 to 1.5 hours per day.
It was mentally tiring.
The second lesson is poise and posture, which took 1 hour per day.
The third lesson is speech and conversation that took 1 to 1.5 hours a day. This lesson is necessary since Calista needs to have a degree of interaction with people in the banquet as she's the star of the banquet.
The fourth lesson is emotional control, which took 1 hour per day. This lesson is also required since she needs to be calm and composed in a place with a lot of people.
It was mentally exhausting for her.
The fifth lesson is court politics, which took 1 hour per day. Calista thought about the current political structure of high society, but only in a basic label. She was more focused on knowing the names of important individuals.
She was even tasked with memorizing the names and appearances of each individual. Later, she will take deeper lessons about court politics.
Last but not least, dance that took 1 to 1.5 hours a day. This skill is a necessity for someone like her that will enter high society, as dancing is a skill required for a noble.
Calista's day became so hectic and tiring that the boredom that she felt days after she arrived in the residence was now gone.
The human interaction that she yearns for is now given to her, but she somehow regrets it.
She realized she preferred to be left alone.
Due to these lessons, Calista and Beatrice spend most of the time of the day together, and they get used to each other to some degree.
Days passed in a blur, and before they knew it, the banquet was just right around the corner.
As everyone is busy with their own tasks, they don't realize that a pair of soft violet gazes is watching them in secret.