Chapter 7
Sylvia tried her best to figure out how to use the utensils just by watching others.
But for someone who knew nothing about noble table manners, it was far too difficult to follow them just by observing.
‘What should I do? Should I just ask directly?’
It was embarrassing, but asking clearly would be the fastest way.
Still… she couldn’t bring herself to speak.
No one here seemed to notice that she was struggling.
Just as Melody realized her situation and was about to step forward—
“Just use them starting from the outside.”
Julia, who had been silent until now, spoke in a quiet voice.
The Duke of Werner also turned his head toward Sylvia.
Sylvia felt embarrassed under their gaze.
But more than that, she was surprised.
Julia… helped her.
“Start with the outer fork and spoon, in order. Isn’t that why you couldn’t eat?”
Her tone was still cold.
“And if you don’t know, just eat however you feel comfortable. No one here will force you to follow strict manners.”
But Sylvia could feel the kindness in her words.
It was a small thing…
But Julia was the first to notice her discomfort.
‘So… she’s not someone who would ignore her younger sister.’
Sylvia had thought Julia didn’t like her.
But maybe that wasn’t true.
“That’s right, Sylvia. You can eat however you like.”
The Duke added quickly.
“See?”
Julia shrugged as if it was nothing.
That simple gesture comforted Sylvia.
“Thank you, Julia.”
Julia didn’t respond.
Sylvia picked up the outermost fork and took a bite of the appetizer.
The salty and rich taste of the ham melted in her mouth.
The Duke, who realized the situation a bit late, blamed himself.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think you would face something like this.”
“No, it’s okay. I didn’t say anything either.”
Sylvia smiled shyly.
Then she carefully spoke again.
“Um… Duke.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“If it’s alright… can I learn etiquette while I stay here?”
She didn’t think she would stay long.
And like Julia said, no one here would judge her.
But—
‘I don’t want to feel this embarrassed again.’
Also, this was a rare opportunity.
‘If I learn it now… it could help me later.’
“Of course! I’ll arrange for you to start learning from tomorrow!”
The Duke said happily.
He had already been thinking of suggesting it.
“Thank you, Duke.”
Sylvia smiled brightly.
The Duke smiled back.
After that, the meal continued smoothly.
The Duke patiently explained each dish and how to eat it.
Even though the meal took longer—
Julia didn’t complain at all.
Instead, she matched Sylvia’s pace.
Sylvia slowly began to feel less afraid of Julia.
“Wow… this is really delicious!”
The juicy meat spread sweetness and flavor with every bite.
“This is the best food I’ve ever had in my life.”
The Duke laughed warmly.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Then he spoke again.
“Vivian.”
Sylvia still wasn’t used to that name.
“Yes?”
“After dinner… could you spare me some time?”
“After dinner?”
“Yes.”
Sylvia hesitated.
“What is it about?”
“I want to show you the most beautiful place in this mansion.”
He smiled.
“Since the sun will set soon, it’s the perfect time.”
“The most beautiful place?”
Sylvia’s eyes widened.
Everything she had seen so far was already amazing.
So what could be even more beautiful?
“Will you come with me?”
“Yes! I really want to go.”
The Duke smiled with satisfaction.
* * *
After dinner, Sylvia stood up.
The Duke walked over and extended his hand.
Now she understood.
“I’ll escort you.”
Sylvia gently placed her hand on his.
“Then… please do.”
The Duke guided her arm through his.
“This is the central garden of the mansion.”
“The central garden?”
“Yes. It’s known as the most beautiful place here.”
Then he added—
“Especially for someone with water power like you… it will be breathtaking.”
Sylvia became curious.
She had already seen beautiful gardens on the way here.
But if this was even better…
Her heart started beating faster.
Then—
She saw it.
“…!”
Sylvia froze.
She couldn’t even speak.
The central garden was completely different from anything she had seen before.
The twilight sky, the lush greenery—
And something else.
Glowing lights filled the garden.
They floated and moved through the air.
Making the whole place feel dreamlike.
“…It’s really beautiful.”
Sylvia finally spoke.
‘Beautiful’ didn’t feel like enough to describe it.
No words could fully explain it.
“Right?”
“Yes… but those lights…”
She pointed toward them—
Then suddenly froze.
One of the lights touched her fingertip.
Her eyes widened.
‘It’s not a firefly…’
Looking closer—
Her lips trembled.
“Is this… a fairy?”
