Karina listened attentively to her grandmother all the time… She felt there was something bigger than people realized, something they couldn't fully understand. Her curiosity grew as she thought over and over again. Then her eyes met her grandmother's.
"Grandma, you know so much about people," Karina said.
Osana laughed at Karina's strange comment and said,
"Oh, Karina, believe it or not, I lived many years in Japan, yet I didn't have many stories about people. But here, from the first year, I learned a lot."
Karina smiled, understanding that when her grandmother was young, what mattered most was attending festivals and handing out sweets to children—even those around her knew she was the daughter of the Emperor's nephew.
"Even though I knew many people in Japan, I never delved into their lives. Eventually, when I moved to Europe, everything ended. In my later years there, I barely met them… but many still know me," Osana continued.
Karina listened and then said,
"Sometimes I think acquaintances and friends are nice, but honestly, I don't want more friends than Ron, Vicky, and Damian."
Osana held the fabric she was embroidering and continued her work, then said,
"You know best what you want, dear."
"By the way, when will my uncle return?" Karina asked with curiosity.
"I'm not exactly sure, but yesterday he arrived in the east of the country. He and Lord James will stay there for a while, then head north for their duties," Osana replied, recalling the message from her son. She added with a smile,
"He's happy you're well… he said he misses you more than the rest of us."
Karina smiled with excitement.
"I miss him too… my uncle…"
---
Messages arrived at the palace from several nobles who had heard that Karina had a head injury. They sent their regards, and a Southern council had already been convened.
It took Karina several days to fully recover, and when the bandage was removed from her head, her bright smile returned. One day, standing beside her grandmother, she saw a woman before her… a woman with a refined smile, the wife of a southern lord.
"Hello, Princess Karina… from today onward, I will be your etiquette teacher," the woman said.
Finally, Karina would learn noble etiquette!
Everyone had to master manners, especially girls. For a girl Karina's age and rank, learning this was essential.
"Hello, madam…" Karina replied calmly, and her lessons began, day after day…
She tried walking with books on her head to practice balance—but often failed. She ate too quickly, ignoring table manners, and spoke rudely to nobles. Everything she did was wrong according to etiquette.
Indeed, Karina had learned a lot about sitting, walking, and grace when she was younger, but over time she had strayed from the noble path. Now, she slowly began reclaiming all her skills, improving her manners in every way.
It took two months for her to regain the basics and start progressing steadily in courtly etiquette.
---
One morning, Karina took a small break, practicing her walk with elegance and laughing. Duke Theobald noticed her dancing with the air, since no one was joining her, and laughed out loud. When she noticed her father watching, she laughed even more.
"Dad, don't you see? I look graceful, right?"
He nodded and said,
"Don't lose your manners again."
She nodded, remembering how she had forgotten her etiquette despite having learned it before.
"Karina…" he called softly, signaling from the window for her to enter his office.
She obeyed, walking confidently toward his desk, each step showing her new poise.
"Yes, Dad?" she said upon arrival, closing the door gently behind her. Her gaze lingered on her mother's portrait on the wall, as if seeking strength, then returned to Theobald.
"Karina, at the beginning of next week, a party will be held. It will be hosted by Marquis Huntouns… for children only, ages nine to sixteen."
Karina listened intently, then asked curiously,
"And why this party, specifically?"
Her father explained, revealing the subtle political motives:
"The Marquis is a clever man. By hosting such a party and inviting young nobles, he wants two things: first, to build bonds among young heirs to create a unified next generation. Second, personal gain: to bring his children closer to those of the highest ranks, like imperial princes and dukes."
Karina understood that her father wanted her to attend to improve her relationships and position among young nobles. She nodded and asked,
"And who will be there?"
He smiled, enjoying her enthusiasm and curiosity:
"Many. The Marquis has arranged musicians, lavish dessert tables, a full dinner, and dancing. It's also an opportunity to show your talents. Your teacher will attend to guide you through the party."
Karina nodded excitedly. Then she remembered the most important question:
"Will… will Vicky be there?"
Her father laughed at her innocent question, then joked,
"Guess."
"Nooo! Dad, tell me!" she protested, giggling.
He laughed, then reached out to stroke her hair gently:
"Yes, Vicky Flax will be there, along with her brother Richard Flax."
"Yay! That's fair!" Karina shouted childishly, running in small circles around the office, overwhelmed with joy.
Theobald laughed and teased,
"Oh, the noble manners you learned have gone out the window!"
Karina stopped running and laughed too, admitting defeat to her happiness. But her laughter ceased when her father's tone grew serious:
"Karina… you won't go alone… your cousins will attend as well. They are children and bear no blame for their mother's actions."
She glanced at him, inwardly displeased by the idea of her cousins joining, but she concealed her feelings and nodded.
"Tomorrow, the tailor will take your measurements and prepare a suitable dress for the party," Theobald said, then slowly sat behind his desk. A moment later, his assistant entered.
---
"I think gold will look wonderful on Princess Karina!" said the famous southern seamstress, holding up a golden fabric near Karina's face.
"Do you like it, Karina?" asked Carla, kneeling beside her.
"It looks… too shiny," Karina replied honestly.
The seamstress swapped it for a soft pink fabric, adorned with fine silver threads.
"Oh! Now all the boys will lose their hearts to Princess Karina in this color!" she exclaimed dramatically.
Carla whispered, "Shouldn't you lower your voice a bit? The Duke might hear."
Karina smiled and said confidently,
"I look beautiful in any color."
Carla agreed:
"I agree."
Then Karina, gazing at the pink fabric, whispered,
"But… I like this color."
The seamstress smiled and nodded enthusiastically,
"Perfect! It will be ready with all suitable accessories! I believe you will be the most beautiful at the party without competition." She then left to begin her work.
---
"Send word to summon the Bional brothers," Theobald ordered his assistant.
San and Syna arrived and stood before the desk. Theobald motioned for the assistant to leave and close the door.
"Listen carefully… your mother made mistakes and is being punished. But this does not concern you. You may visit her anytime, and you will accompany us to all events and parties under our protection."
The two nodded. While San's expression showed confusion and obedience, Syna's eyes hid a glint of resentment and cunning. Theobald noticed, but did not pay it much attention, continuing formally:
"Any activity or party you are invited to—you will attend. We will provide suitable clothing."
They nodded again. Syna, for the second time since arrival, felt the door was slightly open for her to play the role of the innocent girl before Theobald. She smiled calculatedly, then bowed and left.
---
"One… two… spin… three… four… step forward… five… six… step back… my turn… gently…"
The sound of the etiquette teacher echoed in the spacious training room. Karina moved with the rhythm, dancing alone as if imagining a partner. Carla watched with pride, seeing Karina like a butterfly learning to fly.
"Keep going… yes, the bow is good… now my turn… move a bit faster… adjust your hands."
The teacher continued giving instructions, her eyes carefully observing every detail.
"Miss, one hand up as if holding your partner's shoulder… the other as if holding his hand… very good."
She helped Karina maintain her posture while wearing low heels to get used to the feel of dancing.
"Now, you must learn this specific dance. If you master it, you will impress everyone… focus on each movement."
The teacher explained the steps thoroughly.
"Teacher… it's difficult," Karina complained.
The teacher shook her head firmly: "Nothing is too hard for a princess. Walking was hard, and you mastered it. Now, watch me."
The teacher performed the dance gracefully, each move precise, telling a story of elegance and refined taste. Carla clapped with a wide smile.
"I bet you are skilled in all arts of etiquette, Miss."
The teacher laughed modestly: "I have always loved this art and am delighted to pass on some of noble beauty to the little princess."
Karina continued observing, exhausted from training, but her admiration for her teacher gave her renewed energy.
The teacher also guided her: how to respond to compliments without giving false hope, end conversations politely, handle anyone getting too close, and move between groups gracefully. She provided a full behavior map, turning the ballroom into a miniature diplomatic arena. Then she suddenly said:
"You must dance with at least three boys."
Karina gasped in shock:
"Wh… what?! Three!! Nooo!"
She laughed in disbelief… unaware that this night would later be remembered as her first calculated mistake.