Life's Instruction Book

Chapter 10: Corruption

   Although the Duke and I live in the same mansion, the same place, I never got to see him again after the incedent at the Prince's brithday.

  It bothers me but I'm relieved that I know father won't take it too much. Afterall, he's the type to just disregard anything he doesn't want.

  " Young Lady, Lady Leora requests an audience with you." Elena went inside the room as she informed me.

   "Very well, prepare a tea table at the garden. I shall meet her there."

  As soon as Elena heard my command she went out of the room.

  I got up from my seat and started to fix myself up, looking in the mirror. I brushed my hair slowly as a thought come in my mind.

  The servants in my quarters has decreased.

  I stared in the empty space in the mirror as I realize, I too am getting thin.

   This is fine, I need to follow strict diet afterall.

  I did my get up as usual and went to the garden.

———

  "T-Timothy!" Leora stood up from her seat as soon as she saw me coming.

  I sat on the chair opposite to Leora when I reached the table and started sipping some tea.

  Judging by how Leora acts, I guess she's going to thank me for saving her the other day.

  "Timothy, I—" she spoke.

  "Lady Leora, you need not to thank me. Save your gratefulness, I just did what anyone would do in that situation. " I interrupted her.

  I'm sorry, I don't want you to hold a debt to me.

  She fell into silence and also looked disappointed when she heard my words. I tried to resist myself from consoling her.

   It must be hard, Leora but you have to endure. This is for you too.

   As I continue to sip some tea, I noticed the maid beside Leora looking at me menacingly.

  "Lady Leora, does the Duke know about this?" I spoke and stopped sipping.

  She was startled when she heard my question. I know the maids must have told her to get away from me.

  "I'm sorry, but I can't permit to let this discussion continue any longer. Our tea time ends—" I was interrupted when she suddenly stood up.

  " T-Timothy, please teach me how to be a proper lady! "  she shouted.

   I was stunned when I heard her request. I just stared at him shocked.

   W-Why me?

   " The other day, you looked so cool defending me. I- I also want to be like you, I also want to be able to talk like how you did and defend myself elegantly. " she slowly sat down as she explained herself.

    " I know that I'm lacking in a lot of areas, I never learned etiquette and I even had days when I only get to eat bread. "

     " B-But, when Dad took me here. My life changed, I was able to enjoy things a person usually need to work hard for. T-That's why... I... "

    " I want to repay, Dad. I want to be worthy of these things, I want to prove that I am worthy of being a Lady of Magnus. "

    She spoke courageously infront of me.

    How could I even reject her when I see myself in her? I smiled to myself and sipped another glass of tea.

   " I'll teach you. " I assured her.

   " Really?! " her eyes sparkled.

   " But! You also have to ask the Duke to assign you another Etiquette teacher, so you'll be able to understand it better. " I said.

    " Understood!! " she smiled brightly.

    Looking at her, come to think of it...

    Did I also looked like that too when I asked Mother to teach me etiquette?

    The conversation went longer and Leora told me how she lived before and the things she did with the Duke until now.

    It was fun listening to her stories. It was like I was listening to the bucket list I made when I started to write. It was like I was listening to my other self telling me about her daydreams.

    " Anyway, Timothy, how do you manage to drink tea? I tried them once but they tasted bad." she said.

    "Oh, no worries the tea I prepared for you is based on your preference. One of the major rules in being a lady is to always satisfy your guests so I always ask my maids to prepare something that will satisfy the appetite of my guests." I explained.

    " Really? Maybe I should give it a try then!" she took a sip from her tea.

    " Oh! This tastes different from the one I had before! It feels refreshing and a little swe—" Leora suddenly covered het mouth as she coughed.

    " What happened, my lady?!" The maid beside her panicked.

    When Leora putted away her hands all I could see was a dark red liquid.

    She was coughing up blood.

    Just like that day.

    Leora passed out a few seconds after and I wasn't able to do anything I just sat there, stunned. I don't know what to do nor can I move my body.

   It was white then there was red.

   Leora is wearing a white dress.

    " Call for a physician! The lady! " I heard the maid shout as the other servants nearby come to our place.

    I looked around to see who is going to help Leora when suddenly a figure came running.

    " What happened?!" the man spoke panting.

    " F-Father..." I was about to speak when a slap welcomed my face.

    After that my memory became vague and my conciousness fade.

It was my fault again.